“The God who called him will guide his steps.”

As we celebrate the feast of Santa Monica on August 27, let me share to you my devotion to my son, Rev. Fr. Perry Neil Patayon, who was ordained to the priesthood on August 15, 2026. Santa Monica is the devoted mother of St. Augustine; she is also the patron saint of mothers and wives. In this article, I will be sharing to you a little bit of my son’s life and my devotion to him as he was in the seminary formation.

Back in his younger days he was known for being kind, friendly and a very outgoing child. He shared with others and loved being around with people. Perry as my second child is very respectful to his Ate. I have only two children, a girl and a boy. He had a relaxed and gentle personality and sometimes he is a funny talker too. He enjoyed singing and dancing and cared deeply for the people around him.

During his childhood, I did not see any signs that he was inclined to priesthood until he reached high school. It was then that he began to express his desire to serve the Lord as an altar server, which ultimately led him to enter the seminary after graduation.

My biggest struggle as a mother of a seminarian is learning to let go and dealing with the deep quiet in the house after he leaves for the seminary. Missing him constantly during family gatherings and holidays always feel incomplete without him at the table. Wondering if he feels lonely or if he struggles with his calling, is a constant silent worry. Wanting him to be happy means accepting that his path belongs to God now, not just to the family.

Now that he is a truly ordained priest, I feel an overwhelming pride. Gratitude fill my heart. Seeing my son ordained as a priest, knowing he stands at the altar to serve God and His people, brings immense joy. I trust that God will guide him through every challenge of his ministry. I embrace the call to pray not just for him but for all the people he will guide.

My message to the mothers whose sons are still seminarians: Always extend your support to your son. Your support gives him the courage to keep going when studies or doubts feel heavy. Pray for him. Your prayer will act as shield around his vocation. Love him the same whether he stays to become a priest or chooses a different path later. Do not fear for his future. The God who called him will guide his steps. (Clarita Gellica Patayon)