Brother Jake Avergonzado of the Philippines recently visited our Crusaders, speaking to them of hope and his faith journey...
A Brother of the Sacred Heart from the Philippines recently visited our campus, speaking to our Crusaders about the Brother's mission and hope from faith in God.
First, Brother Jake gave a presentation in the auditorium about the Iconhope Foundation, shedding light on other ministries of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart besides those within the United States. Iconhope was founded in response to Fr. Andre Coindre's call to provide sanctuary to the youth. Brother Jake's presentation aimed to encourage our Crusaders to show their support for the Brother's mission and give hope to children in need in the Philippines.
Brother Jake started as a recollection/retreat assistant to a former Brother, who invited him to join the SAVE the Young (Society of Active Volunteers Empowering the Young).
"The calling for religious life started when I was grieving from my father's death. I was listening to a Christian song on Youtube: "Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling..." Then I found myself weeping and confused, as if the Lord was speaking directly to me through this song. I thought that if it was God's voice calling to me, I was not ready. I thought I had to fulfill my own dreams and ambitions when in reality, I have been at this crossroads between what I thought I wanted and what God wanted for me many times. I had failed the nursing board exam five times and moved on to a different career path. It took me 10 years to finally embrace my vocation. God's voice was loud enough for me not to resist. His message was clear, I was called to do His will." -Brother Jake Avergonzado
Brother Jake also sang in prayer to our Crusaders, allowing them a moment to reflect on their own trials and sufferings, while at the same time contemplating the hardships of youths across the world. "I love to sing and thought that the Crusaders deserved to hear God's message," said Brother Jake.
Thank you, Brother Jake, for sharing your story of faith with our Crusaders for the purpose of inspiring that same hope within them.
