By Sr. Rosalinda Gonzales
Anthony is dead. The new from my aunt gave me a shock. Could it be true? He was 19 years old, a third year seminarian at the major seminary.
Two years ago, I went home to the Philippines for Papa’s first death anniversary. There I met Anthony at my aunt’s house.
Anthony had graduated from the minor seminary ad was waiting to be called to the major seminary. My aunt’s wanted me to meet him since I am a religious Sister. He is the eldest son of my first cousin Maribel. He has two other brothers and a sister. Maribel is a teacher married to a soldier.
When I saw Anthony, I was impressed by his simplicity and natural kindness. He was 17 years old, quite tall and with good physical looks. I asked Anthony in the course of our interesting conversation if he would like to become a missionary priest someday? He was open to that possibility if that was where Our Lord would lead him.
Soon after, I returned to Tanzania, Anthony and I started corresponding with each other. His first letter was joyful. He was accepted to the major seminary in Sipi, Daraga, Albay. He apologized for not enrolling for a diploma course in a university which would allow him ‘a time apart’ to ponder things over. He had derided (lest he lode his vocation) to go straight away to the major seminary.
The missionary group to whom he had written to, affirmed his decision. Anthony could think it over and if he still wanted to be a missionary priest after he had completed his studies in the major seminary then he could. I requested Fr. Des Quinn to send Anthony some MISYON magazines (which he did) give to him, an idea of my own missionary life here in Tanzania and other missionaries in the different parts of the world.
He found his formation very much focus to a deep and disciplined spiritual life and there was a balance of play –study-eat-rest and pray. He loved the seminary. He would mot imagine himself anywhere else. It was his second home. He was full of gratitude to all his professors, directors and classmates. During vacation which he considered as part of his formation, he looks forward to being with his family, and friends. He did some apostolate in the meantime so that ‘my vocation’ he said. He was greatly devoted to our Blessed Mother and always prayed for peace and justice in our world.
He was not aware of his own holiness. He became an inspiration to me. One of his great challenges was, ‘If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself. Tale up his cross and follow ME’. He asked me to explain this test to him, I tried. Now he understands what it meant. He lived it.
During his short illness from which he never recovered, many priests and friends offered daily masses for him. The well attended funeral mass was a manifestation of a life well live, short ad it was, but a simple step towards the greater glory of God.