Divine Pathways: Stories of Grace and Gratitude

MICHAEL ANGELO AGUIRRE

I have wanted to become a filmmaker, but how?

I have wanted to study filmmaking, but where?

These are my two questions since 2012.

In 2013, I pursued my Master’s in Development Communication at the University of the Philippines Open University, believing it would help me become a filmmaker, as I aimed to focus on the art of documentary filmmaking. However, after a year and a half in the program, with one year remaining, I decided to leave due to work and other scheduling conflicts. Nevertheless, through this program, I met a classmate who lives in Canada, which inspired me to explore the possibility of going to Canada instead.

It didn’t materialize because of ineligibility.

Fast-forward to 2018, my wife Patty brought up the idea of going to Canada again. I researched again, but our points didn’t meet the migration eligibility requirements. Once more, the dream of moving to Canada was put on hold.

In February 2022, Patty’s high school friend invited us to their farewell party because they were leaving in a month to move to Canada. The wife mentioned pursuing a Student Pathway and suggested we explore this option. The following day, Patty and I discussed this opportunity. Initially, I suggested Patty pursue the Student Pathway. Still, she jokingly replied that if she were the one studying, we should forget about the pathway since she no longer wants to study. And so, I agreed that I would be the principal applicant (student). I researched the provinces, cities, and schools offering Film Production or Filmmaking programs. After a month, we consulted with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant recommended by Patty’s friend. After some clarity, we finally pursued this pathway and prayed to God for guidance. We asked the Lord to bless and guide us every step of the way, trusting in His divine plan for our little family.

After a couple of months, I applied to the chosen school, and a couple of weeks later, I received my Letter of Acceptance to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Film and Video Production program for the May 2023 intake. I was both astonished and excited for the new journey that lay ahead. The excitement of preparing documents began immediately after receiving the letter. Organizing and collating all the necessary documents for our application was a smooth process fueled by our eagerness to start fresh and realize that my dream could become a reality someday. When we submitted our documents to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada on December 29, 2022, it was backed by our family’s unwavering support and prayers. By God’s grace and goodness, we received our Visa approval by January 19, 2023. Indeed, God answers our heart’s desires.

We grew increasingly persistent, committed, and specific in our prayers.

1. Lord, may we find a house to rent close to a Catholic Church so we can serve you, preferably near SAIT and a catholic school for the kids.
2. Lord, we pray that Lucas and Lia can be accepted into St. Joseph Elementary School near SAIT.
3. Lord, may we find a community when we arrive that will help us grow in our faith and serve You. We hope to join the Light of Jesus (The Feast) community.
4. Lord, may Patty get a job immediately once we are settled in.
5. Lord, lead us to the right institutions and people in Canada who can be our support system and family.

Lo and behold, God answered our prayers in detail.

1. We found an apartment that is a 3-minute walk from the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Parish Church. A bus stop across from the apartment will take me 7 minutes to reach SAIT and 5 minutes by car to St. Joseph School, a 28-minute walk through a park. The bus stop is even a 3-minute walk away. Our friends make sure we have all the essentials in our home. Nearly everything in our house was given or donated to us.
2. The Calgary Catholic School District assigned Lucas and Lia to St. Joseph School when they started schooling here.
3. Canadian Martyrs Catholic Parish was Alberta’s HQ of the Light of Jesus Community (The Feast). When we attended our first Holy Mass, the very welcoming and kind parish priest welcomed us and introduced us to the Light of Jesus Community leaders. I became a Eucharistic Minister at the parish and a resource speaker for LOJ Calgary. On the other hand, Patty serves on the finance committee of LOJ Calgary. Lia serves as a choir member and a sacristan, while Lucas serves in the choir. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of our family’s service to the Parish and the LOJ Community.
4. In just two months, Patty secured a full-time job and two part-time positions that perfectly fit our family’s schedule.
5. My best friend since high school lives just an hour away, and she is only a call away. Patty was reunited with her college teammates, friends of her best friend’s older brother, and sisters of her friend from LOJ singles—people she first met here and those she had lost contact with but who were all willing to lend us a helping hand.

God is indeed with us on this journey. As He says to Isaiah, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen” – Isaiah 60:22

The kids eventually had their own sets of friends. Lia enrolled in a ballet school to continue what she had started in the Philippines and joined the dance group at her school. Lucas joined the school band, where he plays the trumpet, and was recently selected for the Grade 7 badminton team. He is also taking piano lessons. Patty and I discovered a Filipino Badminton Community that allows us to play badminton once a week.

On February 27, 2025, I attended my Convocation Ceremony. After four semesters of studying in the Film and Video Production Program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, I can finally say that I have fulfilled my dream. I even graduated with honors. All glory to God.

This is indeed a Divine Pathway. A story of God’s Grace and Faithfulness.

As I write this, I’m currently searching and applying for a full-time job related to my completed program. I submitted my post-graduation work Permit (PGWP) and Patty’s Spousal Open Work Permit on January 17, 2025, just before the new policies took effect on January 21, 2025. We are currently on “maintained status” while we await approval from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There have been many recent changes in immigration policies, but I have faith and trust in God because we believe He brought us here for a reason. We may not yet understand our purpose here, but I believe a testament to God’s divine providence and grace will soon unfold. I’m reminded of the verse from the book of Jeremiah. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11.

This story will have a part two, but until then, we ask for your prayers that the Lord continues to guide us on this God-led journey.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!