Joys of Priests: Diocesan Clergy Retreat Day 1 Reflection

By Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado

Published on August 20, 2024

As a priest, I find immense joy in my vocation, and I’d like to share some of that with you. This is the fruit of our first session with Bishop Bart Santos.

One of the greatest joys is the deep spiritual fulfillment I experience. Serving God and community gives my life a profound sense of purpose.

Building connections with the parishioners is another source of joy. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people during some of their most significant moments—weddings, baptisms, and even times of sorrow.

Celebrating the sacraments is a highlight of my ministry. There’s something incredibly moving about standing at the altar, sharing the Eucharist, and witnessing the sacred moments that bring us closer to God.

Serving others brings me great joy, too. Whether it’s comforting someone in distress or creating a program that will help the poor in the community, helping those in need fills my heart with gratitude and purpose.

Teaching and mentoring the younger generations is a privilege. Watching them grow in their faith and seeing their curiosity spark is genuinely rewarding. It is a grace to be assigned as school chaplain.

A special joy comes from the camaraderie I share with my brother priests. We support one another, share our experiences, and find strength in our shared mission.

Finally, the moments of prayer —those quiet times spent in reflection and connection with God—bring me peace and joy that I can hardly put into words.

These joys remind me daily why I chose this vocation, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve God and His people in this way.