An Interview by Sr. Ma. Michelina Brondial, fsp

Fr. Ernesto Montuero grew up in Manila. Coming from a religious family, young Ernie used to attend daily Masses and was active in religious activities in high school. It was then that he started to feel the call to the priesthood. He met a Dominican priest and got attracted to the order; this made him join the order as a postulant, stayed with them for sometime and later left. He got involved in different Christian organizations while pursuing his personal ambitions, plans and worldly life. But when he graduated from the temptations of great jobs and a rewarding future was too exciting. He got a job in the prestigious company. However, he felt something was missing in his life. He let go of his career, family, relationships and embraced God’s invitation which he had been declining – he joined the Carmels. He was ordained priest last May 31, 2000 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila, Quezon City.

Sr. Michel: Where you excited about your ordination?

Fr. Ernie: Not really. I was more excited during my perpetual profession and solemn vows where I made my lifetime commitment to religious life, the Carmelite spirit and color. Ordination for me was just a bonus

Sr. Michel: The relics of St.  Therese of the Child Jesus came to visit us for two months. How did you feel when you were carrying the reliquary in the procession?

Fr. Ernie: Ever since I entered Carmel, her presence in my life is always pervading especially during my motivate year. My novice master, Fr. Alan Reigner, would always tell me, “Read her life, teachings and writings and it will surely help you surpass the trials and hardships in the Novitiate.” I followed this advice and I think that if not for St. Therese I would not be in Carmel. I felt her intercession very much when I was yet a novice. I always told myself that I would wait for her visit one day. And indeed she did.

Sr. Michel: I understood that you take charge of the youth ministry in your parish. How do you find the youth of today?

Fr. Ernie: The youth of today? Wow! They are very different from yesterday. Many of them, especially those who are active in the parish, come from dysfunctional families or no families at all. Life is very hard for them, needless to say, and it is good that they spend their time in church activities instead of discos, gigs and x-rated movies like what most of the young people love to today. But if given the choice I’d rather not do youth ministry. With young people I have to deal with various emotional problems and I don’t feel well-equipped to handle these kinds of problems.

Sr. Michel: What apostolate would you prefer?

Fr. Ernie: If I were to choose I would like to carry out the main apostolate of the Carmelite: give retreats, recollections, formation and work in a spiritual center.

Sr. Michel: Why did you choose the Carmelites? What attracted you to them?

Fr. Ernie: I was attracted to their prayer life, the Praying Christ, their contemplation and action. And when I was reading the book of our Holy Parents – St. Therese, St. John of the Cross and St. Therese of the Child Jesus – I could feel them resonating. So I said to myself, “This must be the life the Lord wants me to live.” I tried it and I have no regret I did.