In a world filled with distractions, finding true meaning and purpose can be daunting, especially for young adults. However, Patricia Santos de Vela, a graduate of the Certificate in Mission Studies (CMS) program at the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS), embraced this challenge and embarked on a journey that would ignite her zeal for mission and, hopefully, would inspire others to follow suit.
Patricia shared her initial doubts and state of mind. "It is difficult to find meaning in what we do, especially for young adults like me. … As Pope Benedict XVI would say, ‘The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.’ … There are too many distractions in this world for us to find true meaning and purpose.”
In order to refocus her passion, Patricia decided to pursue Mission Studies at DWIMS through its CMS program, which she said she thought “would be a great help for me to really learn the plans and the will of God for my life.” “Mission Studies, I believed, would help me understand God's plans and will for my life,” she shared.
Choosing to pursue the CMS program at DWIMS was a decision that proved to be transformative for Patricia. She shared that she was originally inclined towards Theology. However, she added that she reconsidered her options after a conversation with Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm, newly-appointed Director of DWIMS, and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community.
“Fr. Sam advised me to pursue CMS instead, which I believed also helped me figure out meaning in my work and life through mission,” she shared, emphasizing how this choice opened doors to countless opportunities for her personal and spiritual growth. (Note: At the time of the publication of this feature, Fr. Sam is the newly-appointed Director of DWIMS.)
At DWIMS, Patricia was exposed to a diverse community of individuals from various backgrounds, enriching her experience and broadening her perspective. As part of her studies under the CMS program, she actively volunteered as a pro-life advocate, giving talks to adolescents, young adults, and even inmates. She also shared her experience during the time she was asked to lead a recollection for seminarians, which bolstered her confidence and affirmed her sense of purpose.
"My time at DWIMS allowed me to grow in virtue through engaging in the struggle of doing mission," Patricia shares. "I realized that mission does not require us to give up anything; instead, it helps us grow and become agents of change in the world."
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DWIMS' unique approach to Mission Studies, especially through its Certificate in Mission Studies (CMS) Program, distinguishes it from other educational institutions. DWIMS has carved a niche for itself in nurturing individuals like Patricia, who seek to collaborate with the mission of the Church and participate in the New Evangelization.
Patricia shared her enthusiasm for other young people like her to pursue Mission Studies, saying, “With the experience I had in the institution, especially how I see myself in mission, I am inspired to encourage my friends to also give it a try.”
Through her study of mission under the CMS program of DWIMS, Patricia shared that a “profound sense of joy emerged” as she “learned about who God called (her) to be.”
“I believe we are also called to bring genuine joy in this world where it is needed the most nowadays. It may be tough, but if you can touch even just one soul here on earth, realize that that soul is most important to God,” Patricia shared.
Reflecting on the importance of mission, Patricia said: ““In mission, we enter people's lives like how God has entered ours. … As Ven. Fulton J. Sheen would say, ‘God writes the final epitaph--not on monuments but on hearts.’ We have one mission with God, and that is to change the world one heart at a time.”
When asked about her message to young people interested in applying to DWIMS, Patricia says, "I know it can be challenging to find your place in this world, but perhaps it's time for us not to look for ourselves in the world, rather find God in it. … DWIMS provides an opportunity to discover your mission and change the world one heart at a time."
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Patricia Santos de Vela's journey is a testament to DWIMS' commitment to shaping individuals into agents of change and bearers of genuine joy in the world, as well as the transformative power of DWIMS and its Certificate in Mission Studies (CMS) Program.
As she continues to live out her mission, her story stands as an inspiring beacon for young lay persons and all those seeking purpose and fulfillment in their lives.
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The CMS program at DWIMS, a 2-year non-degree program held every Saturday, welcomes lay people, priests, and religious who desire to explore the depths of mission and contribute to the Church's mission in today's world. The program aims to foster awareness, love, and understanding of mission, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to embrace the new frontiers of mission work.
Enroll in the Certificate in Mission Studies (CMS) program at DWIMS and discover how you can change the world one heart at a time.
Join Patricia and many others on a transformative journey of mission and purpose!
Aside from its CMS program, DWIMS also offers doctorate and licentiate degree programs.
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Read more about Patricia’s story as a volunteer at the SVD Farm through the link below:
Patricia de Vela, SVD Farm and Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor volunteer, shares her story