It was in 1990, during my first year in the seminary, when my formator requested me to bring a letter to a bishop in the seminary in Guadalupe. when I reached the office of the bishop, the secretary asked me to wait. I knew that the letter I had with me was very important. The priests were seeking permission to officiate masses in the archdiocese.

I knew that I had nothing to worry. I only need to give the letter; I don’t expect to be interviewed. But when the bishop called me in, he requested me to tell him more about myself and my reasons for entering the seminary. I told him about my self, my calling, and the kind of trainin I get from my congregation. I thought he was pleased. When I entered his office, I simply intended to hand him the letter, then leave. We conversed for two hours. Then he blessed me.

In his prayer, he asked God to make me a good bishop when I become one. I did not become a priest. But the prayer of that bishop stays with me like a prophecy that God will fulfill in my life.

Another kind of prophecy was from my cathechism teacher. I didn’t know her profession before she became a cathechism teacher for it was the first time I saw her. 1-Sampaguita, our class found her kind and intelligent. She has the confidence that we haven’t seen before. And yes, she made me like my name when she came into our lives.

I didn’t know why but my some of my classmates made fun of my name. They thought it was very long and old. So, I became Jef. Only three letters and sound better.

After introducing herself, one by one she called our names. She asked each student to tell more about ourselves to the class. She has her way of motivating my classmates. For example, after Rey talked, she said:
” Reynaldo Iglesias Ata. Do you know that Rey means King, Iglesias means churches, and Ata means human being? Your name means that you are king of his people.”

I was not sure what it actually meant, but I felt that energy in the class. She called those who were in the front seats for we were arranged alphabetically, then each time delight my classmates– for everyone’s name has a beautiful meaning. But I was nervous for I didn’t know if there is something beautiful with my name. I was sitted at the back it would have taken a while before she could call me.

But one of my classmates was to excited that he shouted,” Ma’am, what is the meaning of JEFERLITO?” The whole class laughed. And I thought I died.

The teacher said that Lito means small. And because I was small, I heard louder laughs, some somewhat mocking me for my smallness.Then she continued,” Jefer means that one who bears the light. Jeferlito means that small one who bears the light. Always remember Jeferlito that though you are small, you must always bear the light. You must bring Christ to people.”

Then there was silence.

Yes my name too has a meaning. And it tells me what I must do. My name is Jeferlito and I must bring light….

I share this to show the impact that a single person can make in our lives. Was it a prophecy? I am convinced that I must live up to the name Jeferlito.

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