By Br. Paul Kaptain Pakao, O.Carm.
data-animation-override>
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
The second day of our retreat at the student friary was challenging yet it was a meaningful and a significant session as our retreat master, Fr. Melvin Lorono, O.Carm., encouraged us to examine our attitudes, whether it is in conformity with the Carmelite way of life and identity.
The topic inspired me to look deeply into myself and examine myself in terms of cognitive development and with my intimacy. This is a way for me to mature in my Carmelite Spiritual journey, allowing me to make responsible decisions as a way of responding to God’s love.
This also allowed me to examine myself especially on how I am living the Carmelite way of life in a healthy and responsible way, taking responsibility of my own life in growing and transforming into a mature Carmelite. That is, to be true to myself in my interaction with others and in my ministry.
Humility, taking the role of humble servants of God and His people, allows me to effectively minister to others, at the same time presents to me an opportunity to discover my own gifts that would contribute to the Carmelite charism.
The guided discernment with Fr. Melvin, helped me to examine myself and identify and name my weaknesses and strengths.
But of course, examining oneself also means allowing others to reveal to you what they see in you, and to see our lights and shadows as expressed by our heart.
Fr. Melvin guided us in evaluating ourselves with emphasis on how the self has conformed to the Carmelite identity. “Am I still on the right track?” was one of the most compelling questions that was given to us.
To live the Carmelite way of life, one has to be honest, trusting and hoping in the continuous process of formation, as this would help us to be reformed into new beings in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Br. Paul Kaptain Pakao, O.Carm. is the first fruit of the Carmelite mission in Papua New Guinea. He finished his Bachelor in Philosophy at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City under the mentorship of Br. Romualdo Abulad, SVD, who was one of those who shaped and defined Filipino philosophy. Currently Br. Paul is finishing his Masters degree with the Inter-Congregational Theological Center at the Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in Quezon City. He is a professed brother of the Order.