06/08/2026
Into the deep
-Arjay U. Alejo, TC
As a Franciscan Amigonian Friar, Novo Millennio Ineunte hits incredibly close to home because it challenges the way I look at my future ministry and my own relationship with the Lord. It’s a powerful reminder that my formation isn't just about passing theology exams or checking pastoral programs; it's about learning to constantly contemplate the face of Jesus and remain in His presence. To live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life and to contemplate His beauty (cf. Psalm 27:4). When Pope St. John Paul II writes about moving out into the deep—duc in altum—it feels like a direct call to step out of my comfort zone and let go of the fear of failure. It reminds me that if I want to help heal a modern world that feels so fragmented and confused, I have to start on my knees, prioritizing what matters most, and to acquire a deep life of prayer and love for the Eucharist and His Word. Ultimately, the letter teaches me that a true shepherd doesn't just manage a parish or a religious organization; he creates a "spirituality of communion" where people can genuinely encounter Christ's love which is bigger than the biggest need of our hearts.
