LUMEN | FEATURE : FRIAR BARTOLO MARIA OCD
Feature : Friar Bartolo Maria OCD
LUMEN speaks with Friar Bartolo Maria of the Holy Angels ( Order of Discalced Carmelites ) who is the first Josephian to be ordained in the last 10 years .
I graduated from SJI in 2008 with fond memories of the care shown by the teachers and friendships with my peers . I was involved in the guitar ensemble , at that time led by Mrs Janet Kwok , and in the Legion of Mary ( Queen of All Saints praesidium ), under the charge of Mr Domnic Ang . I remember particularly the kindness and dedication shown by Mrs Deborah Tan , Mr Bernard Teo and Mr Dominic Ang .
The four years at SJI were a morethan-excellent holistic education ; seeing the values ( of faith , service and integrity ; of being men of integrity and men for others ) modelled by teachers , not simply as catchphrases but internalised values , made an impression on me which eventually bore some fruit !
How did you know God was calling you to serve ?
The calling began with a recognition of values – seeing that what was truly important , lasting and meaningful was a life of service and authentic love . Seeing the example of my parents , the priests and religious , the teachers and even other students who were selfless in various ways moved me . Instead of occasional acts of service , I began to consider that doing it full-time would be more meaningful and joyful .
There was no voice or apparition or anything fantastical . Instead there steadily grew in me a desire to live for others and a deepening conviction of the truths of the faith .
I reflected on my life and saw that I was very blessed . What could I give back to God who had been so generous with me ?
Of course , I could be involved in activities at church or do works of charity . But I felt that it would be insufficient . I had to give more ; I had to give all . Thankfully , the religious life is a way to do this , in its total dedication of self .
There would have been many distractions for you , possible life paths , career choices , etc . What convinced you to turn your eyes to God ?
When I was in my final year polytechnic studies , I had to do an internship in a marketing research firm . I remember very clearly taking the MRT back after work one evening . I looked around me and noticed that we all had the same faces of blank tiredness . I did some calculations . By the time I arrive home
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