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Name: Gepaul Anthony M. Carpio
Date of Birth: January 31, 1988
Hobbies and Interests: Playing basketball, reading books, listening to music
Favorite saints: St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Vianney, St. Michael the Archangel
I was born and raised in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, a place blessed by sun and rain. I am second of three children of Anthony and Maria Dulce Carpio. The eldest is named Maria Cyannie and she is currently working in Manila, Philippines. The youngest is named Mico, a seminarian himself of my hometown diocese.
I must say that my vocation to the priesthood started in my own family. Both of my parents have a strong religious background in their own respective families. I grew up then in a very Catholic home. My parents were my first catechists. We prayed the rosary every night. We said grace before and after each meal. We always attended Sunday Mass. We observed Christmas, Holy Week and other Church celebrations. With this kind of childhood experiences and family that I have, it was not difficult for me to enter the seminary at the young age of twelve.
My friends, both inside and outside the seminary, also played a role in my vocation story. My friends see me as a person with credible and stable personality. They always see me as a mediator of the group. In a sense, I have good and dependable friends who support and encourage me to answer God’s call. My friends possess religious values and this inspire me to live up my identity as a seminarian whenever I am with them.
One of the apexes of my vocation-journey happened in 2008 when I attended World Youth Day in Australia. This event opened my eyes to a lot of things and made me see reality as it is. I had the opportunity to experience the unity and diversity of the Church. For the very first time, I was able to see and listen to Pope Benedict XVI, to pray together with him, and to get to know people from other countries unified in one faith. It really made a big impact in my life and spirituality because it wasn’t just a chance to meet people, but it was also a moment for me to encounter Christ Himself. My faith was deepened and my vocation was strengthened. This led me to apply in the Diocese of Oakland. This very multicultural diocese attracted me the most. I believe that we may come from different places, with different cultures and customs, but we are all one in the eyes of God.
As a seminarian, I cannot but take into consideration the challenge of carrying out the teaching of the Christian doctrine to society so that those who hear and understand it may be brought to the fullness of life that God promised. At the end of my every discernment, it always boils down to one realization, i.e., I aspire to become a priest. Realizing this gift of vocation, I am committed to carry on my calling amidst the challenges, possible sufferings, or future discouragements. I entrust to God my intentions, my plans, and my future life. I know I still have a long walk in my journey and years of formation to complete. But I am not stopping. I will keep moving forward. Together with the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance, I am responding to Christ’s call of being a witness and to serve Him in His vineyard. To lay down my life so that others may have life, just like what Jesus Christ once did.
Salus animarum suprema lex! (Salvation of the souls is the highest law) – This is my life, my vocation, my journey.