OAR Biography Series
A Call, An Answer, A Journey
by Fr. Fredric Abiera, OAR 2004
by Fr. Fredric Abiera, OAR
Once again, let us give thanks to God, who
is the source of all good gifts, for the great gift of religious vocation
and for His incessant blessings of perseverance and grace that we may
truly live our vows and charism, be blameless in His sight, and "cast
out into the deep" (Luke 5: 4).
The gift of religious vocation is a way of
life that I willingly accepted last May 24, 2003, as I was ordained
to the priesthood at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New
Jersey, a gift I embraced without reservation and with a promise of
whole commitment, which I can only achieve with the help of the grace
of God and the support of the whole community.
I entered the seminary in the Philippines
(CST - Recoletos, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental) when I was 12
years old, and yet, I fully remember that I did not really know nor
understand what and why I joined the seminary. But I am certain that
when I entered the seminary 15 years ago, I brought with me a strong,
solid and firm Christian foundation my parents established in me. Truly
I consider my parents as the greatest benefactors who offered back to
God what they have received from above.
After spending almost 7 years at the seminary
in the Philippines (4 years in Negros Occidental, and close to 3 years
at Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary in Baguio City), my family moved here
into the USA for good. And I was truly blessed to have the Augustinian
Recollects here in the USA welcome me with open arms.
I spent a year in Oxnard, California (St.
Augustine Priory, 1996-97). Then, I was in Spain for my Novitiate year
(Monteagudo, 1997-98), after which I proceeded to Tagaste Monastery
in Suffern, New York to continue my philosophical and theological studies
at Seton Hall University, New Jersey. I received my Simple Vows on August
15, 1998 in Oxnard, California and renewed them in 2001 in Suffern,
New York. Then, after a memorable and fruitful mes de preparacion
in Salamanca, Spain, I professed solemnly my religious vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience in Suffern, New York. On October 12, 2002, I
was ordained a Deacon by Bishop David Arias, OAR, which I embraced with
a full sense of gratitude to God and service to His Church. And, as
mentioned before, Archbishop Myers at the Basilica of Sacred Heart in
Newark, New Jersey ordained me priest on May 24, 2003.
My life here at St. John's Church in the
Bronx, New York City, which is my new assignment as a newly ordained
priest, has been an experience of contentment and fulfillment, accompanied
with a few nervous experiences, which I believe is normal, since I have
my "new" and "first" experiences here at the parish: my first wake at
the funeral home (at first, I was quite hesitant to kneel right in front
of the coffin staring at the dead) my first funeral (I believe, I made
some mistakes); my first grave service; my first wedding (in Spanish,
and back to back that I did not have to take my vestment and wait for
the next one. And by the way, I believe that I was more nervous than
the bride and groom!); my first retreat with the students preparing
for confirmation (50 of them, and talking about trying to keep them
quiet, it was almost impossible to do); my first anointing of the sick
(and counting...); my first confessions; my first spiritual directions,
my first retreat, my first Holy Week celebration, etc. Aside from being
memorable, these "first" experiences have been indeed learning experiences
for me, and to be honest, they were almost without great difficulties,
thanks to the preparation given us by Seton Hall University. In short,
I am happy with my first assignment as a priest.
And I greatly give credit to my Prior and
Pastor, who indeed, is a great Prior and brother in making the transition
for me from being a student to being a priest a very easy and uncomplicated
one. With this, I am fully convinced that living in a community, in
whatever ministry, support, acknowledgement, compliment, guidance, encouragement,
challenge: all these are needed and vital for a continued growth of
a religious vocation, and the Prior of the House have that great responsibility
of making these strengths and virtues take effect in the community.
The Parish Staff is also very helpful in making the parish life flow
smoothly. Thanks to them, I really am enjoying my first year as a priest.
I make it also my commitment to visit regularly
infirmed and elderly parishioners: those in the nursing homes and those
in their homes but cannot attend Mass and services anymore. I would
go anoint them if necessary, to bring them the Eucharist, hear their
confessions and sometimes, stay with them a little bit more time to
hear their problems and also to hear their stories (and amazingly, some
of their stories go back to Depression era, or Second World War, and
knowing how I love history, listening to them indeed reinforced my interest
for history, and real history at that, right in front of me).
Overall, looking at the present state of
my priesthood, I can see myself equipped for the life I chose to live:
as a priest and religious, of course, with its flaws and imperfections.
I don't deny that difficulties and trials may come my way as I continue
to live my priestly life. That's part of life. But we don't panic here.
But I am also certain that with God's grace and the help and support
of my religious brothers and the church community, I will be able to
overcome those trials with joy and gratitude.
for other stories, visit our news
archive
