I am John Rufo Almariego, a simple young man from the province of Lucban, Quezon. I am the eldest of the two siblings of Emma Almariego and Ramil Almariego. My younger sister is Bles Almariego. My father works as a school-property custodian in one of the catholic schools in my hometown; while, my mother is currently a housewife and part-time babysitter. I have a great family. My parents are well-known for their faith and devotion through church service. My father is an active member of the Lectorate Ministry, while my mother is an active parishioner. Even my grandmaternal parents are active members of the parish organization. In fact, my grandmother was an active member of Apostolado ng Panalangin (Apostles of Prayer) and CWL (Catholic Women’s League). My grandfather was an active member of the Eucharistic ministry, K of C (Knights of Columbus), and ANF (Adorasyon Nocturna Filipina).
Looking back on my childhood, I have a family aligned with deepening my faith and relationship with God. Most of my family members contributed significantly to how I grow and deal with others. At a very young age, I saw potential and aspirations in this way of life. I prefer to stay inside and play in our house, which led me to desire for priesthood. There was a time that I impersonated a priest; I attached a religious image on my toy car, and acted like I attended a procession. I also played with biscuits, portraying it like a host.
As I grew older, I became an altar server in my parish.I developed my faith and vocation. It was in my 4th grade when I was invested as a member of the Ministry of the Altar Server.There and then, I realized that I was attracted to priesthood.
When I finished my high school, I entered the seminary to discern more about my chosen path. Together with my two batchmates, we underwent the initial formation at the Diocesan Seminary Institute of Formation. I finished my one-year program, but unfortunately, I was not given a chance to continue my journey inside the seminary. It was a difficult and disheartening time for me; much worse, my mother was diagnosed with cancer but I did not lose heart. I persevered, and by God’s grace, I finished my college degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English.
God never abandoned his beloved children, in fact my mother was miraculously healed of her cancer. It was a challenging journey. However, I always remind myself to take courage, persevere, and pray in easy and difficult moments. They strengthen my faith to continue my desire to be a priest, even if I am outside the seminary.
One day, I decided to join the Augustinians. I got to know this religious order because of Fray Tony Nombrefia, OSA, the first Augustinian priest from Lucban. While I was a very young altar server, I met him; he was a newly ordained priest then.
One time, I visited Intramuros, Manila. There, I met Fray. Edwin who was at that time a temporary professed friar, and Fray Cedric, who was a postulant. Fray Cedric deepened my understanding about the order and religious life. When they invited me to join them, honestly speaking, I didn’t want their complicated religious and community life. At that time, I was about to reenter the diocesan seminary. Yet, in the middle of pandemic, I started to discern on entering religious life. I remembered what Fray Cedric told me about their way of living as a community and as a religious.
Today, I remain open to God’s call in my religious life. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I continue in reminding myself to take courage, persevere, and pray. I trust the plan of God for me where I am committed to respond to His call in my vocation. (Nov. John Rufo E. Almariego)
