Life testimony of novice Carlos Simbajon

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I am the youngest among the eight siblings of Don Juan Simbajon and Dona Aleja Yurong (deceased). I was born in my hometown, Tudela, on March 12, 1974. My religious vocation was providentially discovered during childhood when my mother exposed me in San Isidro Labrador, parish church of Tudela. My mother was a devout member of the “Apostleship of Prayer” known as Corazon de Jesus. My father was just an ordinary faithful Catholic.

I was religiously moulded by my parents. Hence during Sundays was the best time to go to the church, attending Mass and getting involved in some church activities, e.g. Knights of the Altar and Parish Youth Ministry.

During college days at the De La Salle University, Ozamiz City, while taking up BS Education, I was actively involved in the Campus Ministry Office activities where I attended recollections, outreach, and some retreats. Constant prayer somehow led to my desire to become a religious priest. Thus I pursued and succeeded in a decision to enter the seminary. I finished my minor seminary at Christ the King College, Calbayong City and in March 2006 graduated in Theological studies at the Diocesan Seminary (St Mary's Theologate Seminary), Gango, Ozamiz City. Last October 2009, I also graduated in my Master in Religious studies in Inter-Universitarium Institum Macaunense, (IIUM) Macau.

I dreamt of becoming a Religious missionary rather than a Diocesan priest, so I asked permission for a two year period regency in preparation for my discernment. I was working as a volunteer at the Social Action Office (Archdiocese of Ozamiz) under the supervision of Rev Fr Henry Revil (spiritual director). In the following years (2006-2007), I worked as a Consultant Research Officer at MRI Worldwide Philippines, a worldwide executive search firm organization, Makati City, Philippines (www.mriph.com).

Since it was my own will and desire to be assigned and work outside the Philippines as a missionary, in God's providence, I decided to join the Dominican Order in Macau (Province of Our Lady of the Rosary).

My hometown, Tudela, is evidently rich in religious and diocesan vocations. It was founded by the Spanish Augustinians followed by the Jesuits and then the Irish Columban Missionaries. It is presently run by the diocese. Thus, I am proud to say that I hail from the town of Tuleda, raised by religious missionaries. Through the inspiration of Fr Cristino Quipit OP and Sr Antonia Egar OP (currently assigned at the Colegion Filipino, Rome, Italy), I made my decision to join the Dominicans in the Province of our Lady of the Rosary, Hong Kong.