Below is the testimony of James from the Philippines, offered at the end of the Mass in which he professed his first vows:
Thank you, everyone, for being here and sharing this very special moment of my life.
I’d like to begin with the words of our Founding Father, Fernando Rielo: “Love is a pain without bitterness.”
The first time I heard that, I honestly didn’t understand it. Why describe love as painful?
I thought love was supposed to be full of joy, laughter, and beautiful memories.But as I got to know our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, I began to understand.
True love — the kind that comes from God — often involves sacrifice.
Love means letting go. Love means dying to myself for the sake of God and others.It is painful — masakit — but when that pain is offered to God, it becomes a pain without bitterness. It transforms our wounds into something beautiful and life-giving.
One of the evangelical pillars of the Idente Missionaries is holiness.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.”This call isn’t only for us missionaries — it’s for everyone, because we are all children of our Heavenly Father.
As our Founder said, we are “kissed by our Heavenly Father at the moment of our conception.”
He knows us personally and has claimed us as His precious children. He calls each of us to be witnesses of His love.But this path to holiness — this call to love — is not always easy.
It means walking a road that often includes sacrifice, patience, and perseverance.
It’s a journey that can be painful at times, but it’s also filled with peace and purpose — because it is a pain without bitterness.And that’s exactly what I discovered in my own journey.
My family has gone through many ups and downs.
My parents, my brother, my relatives, and my friends know how difficult my journey has been.
Even during my years as a volunteer, life didn’t become easier — but God remained faithful.Then came my time in Rome — an experience that truly changed my life. (Naks! Discernment internationally!) 😅
I thought it would be an easy pilgrimage — maybe some prayer, reflection, and sightseeing.
But instead, we walked for hours, carried heavy bags, talked to strangers, and joined activities from early morning until late at night!There were times I was so tired that I joked, if my feet and back could talk, they’d tell me to go on without them!
But in those moments of exhaustion, I discovered something deeper.
Even when I was tired, I still found strength to help my companions.
Even when I wanted to rest, love pushed me to keep going.That’s when I truly understood what Fernando Rielo meant — love is a pain, but one without bitterness.
Because even in my struggles, I experienced peace.
Even in the pain, there was joy — the kind of joy that comes from giving myself completely to God.During that pilgrimage, I often prayed to Christ about my plans — my dreams, my worries, my needs. And each time, He would tell me only one thing:
“Help Me. Help Me bring our brothers and sisters back to the Father.”
At first, I didn’t pay much attention. But as the days passed, I realized something:
Whenever I focused on my own plans, I felt restless.
But when I listened to Him, I found peace.That peace led me here — to this moment — to say yes to His call.
Today, I consecrate my life to Christ — to love Him and to serve others,
without bitterness, without counting the cost,
and with the joy that comes from loving Him with my whole heart.Before I end, I want to express my heartfelt thanks:
To my parents, my brother, and my family and relatives, for your love, prayers, and patience;
To my friends, colleagues, co-volunteers, and students, who have supported and inspired me along the way;
To my Idente family, missionary brothers and sisters, for walking with me in faith and community;
To my spiritual director, who continues to guide me with wisdom all the way from New York;
And to our General Superior, who flew all the way from New York — thank you for your presence and for your example of fatherly love.To all of you — thank you for being part of this journey.
You have helped me see that love, even when painful, can still be pure, joyful, and full of hope.Because as our Founder said, and as I now understand with all my heart —
Love is a pain… but a pain without bitterness.
