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Fr. Lito Ocon-Man of God
By STEVE OCON

The turning point in a man's life is when he realizes his worth and heeds to his destiny in the service of God and His church. Life would be more meaningful and worth living if he listens to the inner voice in him and accepts the challenge.

This may be said of Rev. Fr. Marlito Gabi Ocon of Cortes, Bohol, who has recently celebrated his thanksgiving mass at the Holy Name University main chapel, Tagbilaran City, place of his Alma Mater where he finished his studies as a working student. He must have prepared himself for a more manual and tougher job when he enrolled and finished high school at the former Bohol School of Arts and Trade, now Bohol Island State University (BISU). Being an engineer, we thought at the start that he would engage himself in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, infrastructures and other man-made projects. Little did we know in our feeble minds that he was destined for more noble and higher projects in God's church.

Before ordination, this writer asked him why he wanted to become a priest. He said that being an engineer, he worked under several constructions in the Philippines and outside the country. First he worked for the Uymatiao Construction with the Bates Building Project at the second campus of Holy Name University; then at Dumaguete City; then as a ship design engineer for Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Phil. at Cebu City, and lately at Hashihama Shipbuilding in Japan.
         
That priestly seed of a vocation could have sprouted when he was young, grown while he was studying in college, flourished and nurtured when engaged in various works for others. He surmised that what he was doing in line with his profession was not enough.

He dreamed of doing more noble tasks ahead. He said that when he worked in Japan he was asking himself what more could he do. The idea of becoming a priest lurked in his mind. He thought of his parents and relatives at home; he tried going against the flow, but that obsession haunting his soul weighed him down. He gave up the thought of going home, and was hundred percent sure that God was calling him. This gave him joy and peace of mind. He then entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (S.J.).

Life was then wonderful though not easy, but he found joy in the Jesuit seminary. Never has he lived a life more meaningful and more fulfilling.

His motto, "Do your best", has triggered success in his studies. He said that nothing could be more challenging than the Jesuit life, because it desires for more. Hardwork, discipline and prayer are all he needs to become more grounded. Jesuit life maximizes service of God and others - everyday they are challenged to explore boundaries, the unfamiliar ones, so that they can do and give more. The various wide range of ministries for the poor and the oppressed in the Society of Jesus have gained impetus in his life.

Fr. Lito, as he is fondly called by relatives and friends, was born forty years ago in the sleepy barangay of Malayo Sur, Cortes, Bohol, to spouses Juan Ocon and Maria Gabi. Fr. Lito and his brother Mario were born twins from the family of twins in Cortes, Bohol.

His uncles from his mother's side were twins, and followed by his cousins who were also closely born twins. He is number six in the family of eight who are mostly professionals. His older sister Veneranda finished Bachelor of Science in Agriculture: Florencio and Mario both finished Industrial Technology; Rufino, BEED graduate, a lay minister and Catholic defender, also teaches at HNU; Cirilo is an architect; Lucita and Dionisita have married earlier, having now raised their families.

As he celebrated his thanksgiving mass at the HNU main chapel, with his classmates (also ordained priests) from Ateneo de Manila University concelebrating, and with the presence of his former mentors, alumni, religious dignitaries, parents, relatives and friends, more teary eyes could be seen from among his well-wishers. They could hardly expect a different Lito from his former college years at HNU would then turn to be one of Christ's chosen ones in the ministry of His church.

And this writer who also heeded Christ's call for eight long years, but was not chosen, could only lift up his heart in thanksgiving for a life well spent in his senior years, and for having been given a "reprieve" of his life after a heart by-pass operation ten years ago. A different mission has been given him - perchance to write and tell the story of this man of God and all those who work in His ministry.

(For some reason this writer assumes a new pen name to replace the former "Dodong Ocon").

Note: For more information about the Jesuits, log on to www.phjesuits.org

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