SVD Postulancy

In Every Anxiety, There is Assurance

In my whole life, I seldom hear people talking about or telling me something about my
personality. Although I am sometimes aware of my personality but I wanted to know them more
in a deeper sense.
In the postulancy, there is this program called SINAI – a psycho-spiritual program in which we
are given the chance to understand ourselves deeper and surface all of the problems we
encounter in life for us to know how to deal with them and give us an opportunity to heal
ourselves.
One of the sessions discussed about our personality style which prompted me to get excited,
interested and at the same time, nervous. We took a series of tests (psychological) and one of
them was to test our personality styles then at class, the results of our tests were interpreted.
This made me more nervous because I was afraid that I will be judged because of the outcome
of the results and what personality of mine has been discovered, but I was assured that there
will be no judgement for everything that has been surfaced.
I was a little bit disturbed by what I saw in the test results, because it showed me that I
constantly worry about things I should not be worrying about. But nevertheless, as human as we
are, I too have flaws, but I looked on the bright side and reflected that it is part of human
development.
After the sessions I thought about the results of the test and looked into the deep on where my
anxiety started. After several days, I realized that it started when I was in high school, when my
parents and I had problems. I was taken over by my emotions to the point where I isolated
myself from everyone. I then realized that I was a bit too emotionally senseless at that time so I
became silent. This experience made me overthink a lot which eventually led me to my anxiety
that makes me worry about a lot of things especially my vocation.
However, despite all these, I always remind myself that I need to cherish the present moment
first in order for me to value my vocation that I have now and what lies ahead in the future. I
also constantly remind myself that in every crossroad that I encounter, Jesus is always present
as he have said to his followers, “And surely I am with you always till the very end” (Matthew
28:20).
As I continue to discern my vocation to the priesthood, I thank God for this opportunity that
helped me and is continuously helping me to know myself deeply and become aware of who I
am. This Postulancy program helped me to value myself more and look for the goodness of
myself and I trust the process that it will continue to bring out the best in me that will make me
the better person and even a “missionary” that God wants me to be.
A Portrait of Brokenness and Love

Most family portraits often show a happy family smiling together or celebrating a moment that will always be remembered. But mine tells another story. My family portrait reflects the painful truth of my childhood—that my family broke apart. We were left under the care of our relatives while my parents went their separate ways. At first, it was so hard to accept. I remember how empty our home felt. The laughter, the comfort, the warmth—it all seemed to vanish. As days passed, I learned to live with it, but deep inside, I always asked—are we really okay? And the answer was no.

I longed for the care of a mother whenever I was sick or in special moments like graduation. I longed for the guidance and discipline of a father who could teach me right from wrong. I longed for my sisters, whose joy once filled our home. But when our family broke apart, these longings felt like an impossible dream.

As time passed, life changed. My mother built a new family, and my father also found a new partner. My sisters and I grew older, but nothing felt the same. Still, one thing gave me strength—my father never abandoned us. He supported us no matter what, showing me that love can remain even in brokenness.

From this, I learned that family is not only about being physically complete, but about the love that binds us together. A home is not measured by walls or roofs, but by care, support, and presence. And though my childhood was marked by separation, it taught me to value unity, loyalty, and love.

by Post. Mark Nhel Versoza
Radiating the Light of Christ

Ctto.(Fb.Page: SVD – Witness to the Word )

Today, we joyfully celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a moment that marked the dawn of salvation. Born to become the Mother of the Savior, Mary’s life of faith and obedience became the foundation of Christian discipleship. This day also holds deep meaning for the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).

On September 8, 1875, St. Arnold Janssen founded the congregation, entrusting it to Mary, whose “yes” made way for the Word to become flesh. He believed that just as Mary brought Christ to the world, missionaries too are called to carry His light to all nations.

Now, as we mark 150 years of the SVD mission, we reflect on the powerful words of our Superior General, Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD:

“We take the image of the Light and want to make it shine with our testimony. He, the Christ, is the light of the nations… Let us make this Jubilee Year a true time of grace and opportunities. What we will be tomorrow, the Holy Spirit is already preparing today.”

This Jubilee is a sacred invitation, to go deeper, to shine brighter, and to reflect Christ wherever we are sent: “from everywhere to everyone”. In a world clouded by indifference, intolerance, and sin, we are called to be beacons of hope.

Mary’s birth reminds us that God’s plan begins in silence, in trust, and in surrender. Today, we renew our missionary call, with her as our model and companion.

From our hearts to heaven:
Happy Birthday, Blessed Virgin Mary!
Happy 150th Anniversary, Society of the Divine Word!
May we continue to radiate the Light of Christ to the ends of the earth.

By Post. Johnzell S. Capacia
A World of Words

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” according to an unknown author. At first, I thought that this third modular class would just be about writing diaries. I assumed I would simply bore myself by recounting the events of my life. However, it turned out to be much more, it became the creation of a new, yet familiar world, a world of reminiscing, recognizing, accepting, and healing. It is a world where I can be true to myself, free from fear of being misjudged. A world where I can express my story without shame.

The sudden and unexpected death of my father two years ago left me with deep regret and even hatred toward myself. I regret that during the time I had with him, I wasn’t able to fully express my love and gratitude, and I missed the chance to ask for forgiveness. Through journal writing, I found the only way I could still tell him that I love him and that I care. It felt like creating a space where I could talk to him again. After writing, I felt healed, relieved of the heavy burden I had been carrying.

Journal writing is fun, but also overwhelming. It can bring back joyful memories, but it also uncovers painful ones. In this module, I realized that there are still many things from my past I haven’t let go of, wounds that haven’t had a chance to heal. Journal writing gives me a safe place to express those long-suppressed emotions. It doesn’t trap me in the past, it helps me move forward and continue living in the present.

By Post. Ricardo Cuizon II
Finding My Voice

On the first day of the seminar on communication and feedback, I felt a bit nervous and unsure. I wasn’t confident about sharing my thoughts because I was afraid of saying something wrong or being misunderstood. However, as others started talking, I began to feel more relaxed. I realized that many people probably had similar feelings, which made me feel less alone.

As the discussion continued, I felt more motivated and encouraged to participate. One of the most important things I learned was that giving feedback respectfully can help people grow. This gave me the confidence to apply the concepts I was learning. I now understand that communication is not just about talking, but also about listening, understanding, and respecting others. Feedback, when given properly, can create positive change, for both ourselves and others.

Before the seminar, I believed that avoiding conflict was the best way to keep peace. But now I see that silence can often make things worse. Avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t solve problems; it can actually allow issues to build up. I’ve learned that giving honest but kind feedback is much more effective and can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

This seminar has shown me how much I can grow by being more open, confident, and honest when communicating with others. I now feel more comfortable addressing challenges head-on, and I understand that it’s through respectful communication and feedback that real progress happens.

By Post. Roel Patnongon
Beyond Hidden Talents
During this four-day theater arts session, I experienced a significant transformation in my
journey as a postulant. I had some background in theater arts during my philosophy days at
Christ the King Mission Seminary, but it was limited to one department—the music
committee—where I was able to compose and complete an entire album of songs for a musical
play. However, acting and dancing were a whole different story, things I had loathed for quite
some time. Thus, it was a major challenge for me to step out of the realm of music and into the
world of acting and dancing.
At first, I was hesitant, fearing humiliation, and my natural shyness held me back. Yet, through
the activities, lessons, and shared moments with postulants from other religious congregations, I
gradually broke free from those fears.

Stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging, but it revealed strengths within me I never
knew existed. I discovered a hidden ability to dance, an expression of joy and creativity I had
never dared to explore and something I had rejected for years of my existence. This experience
taught me that growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of fear. This encounter also allowed me to build genuine connections with others, especially with postulants from different congregations. These relationships enriched my understanding of community and fraternity, deepening my appreciation for the diverse ways God’s call is lived out by others.
As I reflect on this experience, I realize that through theater and creative expression, I found new
ways of communicating and expressing myself beyond music, which had always been my
primary outlet. This broadened my formation and challenged me to embrace a more holistic
approach to personal and spiritual growth.
Looking back, I see that conquering fear and shyness is not merely about overcoming personal
barriers, it is about embracing vulnerability as a pathway to deeper self-knowledge and stronger
community bonds. I am truly grateful for this experience, for it has strengthened my confidence, creativity, and capacity for authentic connection, all of which are essential for my future mission and ministry.

By Post. Ancel Zeuz Bellen
Sacred Pilgrimage
“It is in the consistency of submission that the soul finds its truest freedom, far from human expectations.“

One of the impactful occasions in the religious missionary formation within the Society of the Divine Word is the so-called Acceptance Ceremony. This ceremony, carried out silently within the postulancy stage, marks the seminarian’s initial and voluntary entrance into the Society. It is during this phase that the seminarian’s willingness to participate in the Church’s mission is formally acknowledged under the guidance of the Society of the Divine Word.

As the postulants discern with sincerity and conviction, they stand before the altar, expressing their intentional “yes” to the Lord, who has called them by name from the very beginning. Though this “yes” may not be proclaimed loudly, it stands as a profound gesture, an initial vow to the mission-oriented life they hope to embrace.

Thus, the significance of this ceremony transcends mere formality or ritual. It leads to an intimate encounter with the paradox of freedom and grace. The postulants come to understand that their freedom, in a certain sense, ends when they freely offer themselves to be formed by the Society, but in that surrender, they find fulfillment.

Furthermore, this stage of formation carries a serious mandate: acceptance flows in two directions. Not only are the postulants accepted by the Society, but they also, in turn, accept the values, spirit, and mission of the Society itself.

Ultimately, in this quiet yet solemn moment of acceptance, the postulants do not merely cross a threshold; they indeed begin a sacred pilgrimage. It is the beginning of a journey not measured by distance, but by depth, a pilgrimage of the heart shaped by surrender, carved by grace. It is in the consistency of submission that the soul finds its truest freedom, far from human expectations.

By Post. Clint Escoton
Pinili at Inibig
(Chosen and Beloved)

PINTIG is a Tagalog word that literally means “beat.” It refers to the rhythmic beating or pulsation, often associated with the heart. PINTIG however is descriptive of other forms of rhythmic movement. And for us, more than just a rhythm – it is a sign of life, love, and calling.

Every heartbeat tells a story. And just as heartbeats move not in a straight line but rises and falls in waves, our story beat to the rhythm of life that come from diverse cultures, provinces, dialects, families, and personalities. We beat with different pulses – some quiet, some loud, some steady, some still searching. Yet with our differences, a deeper rhythm unites us: the rhythm of love, the heartbeat of Jesus echoing within each of us, forming us into one pintig, one communion, one body, one mission. Hence, we are not simply a random group of individuals gathered by coincidence.

Inspired by the powerful words of the Gospel above, we call ourselves PINTIG. We are PINTIG, not just because of the beating of our hearts for Him whom we choose to follow, but because our following is a response to Him who chose and loved us, first. We were PINili aT inibIG –chosen and beloved by God.

PINTIG, therefore, beautifully captures the character of our class as it mirrors the image of a community of peoples from diverse backgrounds who march forward with hearts that beat for the mission, and who, from the very beginning, knew as being chosen and beloved by God – chosen not because we are perfect, and loved not because we are deserving, but because Christ first loved us.

Our class is composed of 22 seminarians—five from the Central Province and seventeen from the Southern Province. Each of us carries distinct lived experiences. Yet together, the name Pintig becomes the cornerstone of our identity. What flows from the beat of our hearts is the Divine Mercy of God, which fuels and drives us toward a single mission: to spread His love and mercy.

As we celebrate 150 years of the SVD missionary journey, we are reminded that this heartbeat is not meant to remain within its chambers. Like St. Arnold Janssen and the early missionaries, we are invited—through Christ, the source of all beat—to witness to the Light and to carry this divine rhythm to the ends of the earth.

The heartbeat of God’s love must reach everywhere and everyone, crossing borders, cultures, and brokenness. Just as the first missionaries left home and comfort to bring the Gospel to foreign lands, we too are called to go forth in our own little missions, fueled by the same heartbeat of divine love.

Our class name therefore, is not merely a title. It is a living reminder of our identity and mission. We are PINTIG—the heartbeat of a God who chooses, loves, and sends.

So as we journey together, we sing and dance to the pintig of the Divine Word in our hearts –to the pulse that says:

“I chose you… remain in my love.”

John 15:9

And allow this beat to move us – as one heart, one family, and with one mission together with the prayer of St. Arnold Janssen:

“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the Light of the Word and the Spirit of grace, and may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all.”

By Post. Johnzell S. Capacia