“Do not worry about your financial obligations, focus on your study, pray, and have faith in God.”
These are the words that signaled a major turning point for Maynard Jay Nicko Flores, then a seminarian at the St. John the Evangelist School of Theology, Sacred Heart Seminary, Palo, Leyte.
For years, Nicko and his family struggled with the burden of financial obligations—not just of the family but of shouldering the considerable expenses of seminary education, which could cost upwards of Php 50,000 monthly.
It was just too much for his parents, a retired seaman and a retired teacher to manage.
Some days were better than others; the worst was when daily life seemed like a matter of survival.
Unreachable dream?
“My life in the seminary was difficult…There were days when we did not know how we could pay the tuition in the seminary. At times, I considered giving up my dream of becoming a priest, thinking it was impossible for someone like me, to continue my studies,” he shares in an interview.
The on and off uncertainty made the young seminarian even doubt his calling.
“I often questioned God, asking if my desire to serve Him was truly His will or just an unreachable dream,” Nicko added.
Things would soon change.
At the time already a theology junior, 24-year-old Nicko still remembers how he first heard of ANCOP.
One of his formator priests offered the Educational Sponsorship Program (ESP) to him.
He shared: “It felt like a new door had opened, and for the first time, I saw a clearer path toward my vocation.”
Quickly, Sem. Nicko discovered a support system in ANCOP.
“Many people, who supported, [told] me not to worry about my tuition and other fees in the seminary… It was a moment of grace—an answered prayer,” he added.
‘Parish family’ traditions and more
In 2024, Sem. Nicko graduated from the theology seminary with a heart full of gratitude.
“I thought about the long years of studying, the countless challenges, and the many times I had to trust in God’s providence. The best part of finishing my education was knowing that I was finally ready to give my life completely to the mission God had prepared for me,” he explained.
Thanks to ANCOP Australia, Nicko was finally ordained a priest by Palo Archbishop John Du on December 9, 2024 at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Leyte.
He is one of three seminarians Australia has supported all the way to priesthood.
Currently serving at the Parish of Sts. Peter and Paul in Ormoc City as its Parochial Vicar, Fr. Nicko is living out his ministry with the same hope and fortitude he had as a seminarian.
“As a priest, I have found new traditions with my parish family—celebrating simple joys, journeying with people in faith, and giving back to those who struggle.
My greatest accomplishment so far is not measured by titles or personal gain but by the lives I have touched, the prayers I have offered, and the hope I have shared,” he explained.
