Years of experience with apostolic communities led to vocation
By Josh Tng
The B.C. Catholic
Deacon Raul Abella, ordained a permanent deacon Dec. 8 in Holy Rosary Cathedral, discussed with The B.C. Catholic being a medical sales representative and balancing marriage with his vocation.
The B.C. Catholic: Why did you decide to become a permanent deacon?
Deacon Raul Abella: My years of experience serving in apostolic communities such as Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community and Couples for Christ led me to decide to journey with the Lord’s higher calling in the diaconate ministry.
My pastor suggested I had diaconal qualities, and suggested I apply for the permanent diaconate program. My wife Monette and I talked about it and prayed for proper discernment. I decided to respond to God’s call by going to the formation program.
BCC: How was life as a medical sales representative?
DRA: I marketed medical products to doctors, hospitals, and health-care institutions. Coincidentally, the mandate of my work is closely related to patient care and wellbeing, and it complements my appointment now to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
BCC: What events in your life have shaped your faith?
DRA: I have been involved in apostolic communities for more than 20 years. Going through various Christian life programs seminars and retreats has shaped my spiritual life and mission. As a couple, Monette and I regularly attend prayer meetings, embracing God’s Word, that empower and guide us to make the right decisions in our daily lives.
BCC: Have any experiences as a deacon so far stood out to you?
DRA: After ordination, I felt that Christ came to exercise control over my life. He draws all my energies around Him: physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and psychological, using them in His service.
The Letter to the Galatians says, “It’s no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me.” Letting Jesus Christ into my life through deep intimacy changes the way I conduct myself.
As I strive to walk in the way of divine intimacy with Jesus Christ, my time spent with Him has grown so much. Talking to Him in prayer, beyond my allotted time of morning, mid-day, and evening prayer, and receiving Him in the daily Eucharist whenever possible, brings joy and peace in me.
Every time I am in the hospital ministering to the sick, I feel that Jesus is with me through the working of the Holy Spirit, bringing His comforting words and smile.
BCC: What do you need to consider in in your role as a deacon and a husband?
DRA: Monette and I are aware that both sacraments, marriage and holy orders, live on for our entire lives until death. Both marriage and ordination are sacraments of enrichment and strength, of self-giving to the spouse, and to the Church.
It is very important for me to balance carefully my responsibility to my marriage and my role as a deacon. With constant prayer and open communications with my wife and my superior in my ministry, I hope to achieve balance.
