MANILA, Nov. 16, 2013—The current director for Youth Development of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) National Executive Board of the Philippines was appointed as the new International Vice-President for Youth of SSVP.
“We are please to inform you that Karl Michael Hila has been appointed as the new International Vice President for Youth. He succeeds Julien Spiewak who has taken up his appointment as the new Secretary General,” the appointment letter reads.
By virtue of this appointment, Hila will be a member of the Council General International (CGI) Board.
Hila has been a lay Vincentian for over 16 years and began his involvement in SSVP as a youth member.
He has been involved with programs and development of the youth and today as the Director for Youth Development at the SSVP National Executive Board of the Philippines.
He has also attended international youth conferences and has been engaged in youth programs outside the society.
CGI on the other hand welcomed him to the board and prays that the Holy Spirit will guide and enlighten him in his Vincentian apostolate.
Meanwhile, Hila shared that he never expected nor dreamed about the position, partly because he never thought that he is even qualified and will do well with the role.
“I am just a simple young man from the Province of Sorsogon, just wanting to graduate from school and have a decent job. When the role was offered to me, I asked for a few weeks which became a few months of discernment and prayer. And up to now, I am very sure that my own capacities alone wouldn’t suffice with the qualifications and expectations,” Hila said.
But what can I do, he added.
“With discernment and prayer, I became sure too that this is where God wants me to be! And with Him, my unworthiness and weakness is negligible, for nothing is impossible with Him. So who am I to say no, there is indeed nothing to do but to heed His call and trust His tried and tested plans for me. This is not because of me, this is because of God. This is not part of my plan, but God’s plans are always better than ours,” he added.
Hila quoted the Blessed Virgin’s fiat “Let it be done to me according to Your word” as very relevant words prompted his decision to formally accept the role.
Hila is also asking for prayers as he continue journeying with the Poor, with God and the young Vincentians who are serving the poor.
“Nevertheless, I know that I am not alone in this. I have my fellow Filipino Youth, my fellow Youth Ministers, my fellow Vincentians, my friends and the young Vincentians of the World journeying with me, wanting to make a difference, expressing Faith through Charity,” he furthered.
Hila left for Paris November 15 to attend his first SSVP International Council General Meeting. (Jandel Posion)
