It does take a lot of courage to say ‘yes’ to God’s calling in today’s context. Courage derived from the Word of God, life of prayer, Sacraments, stories of saints, devout families, participation in the spiritual activities and associations/movements of the Church. Here are the stories of individuals who courageously embraced God’s call.
Fr Elroy Gama, Moira
Parents and priests guided me
Although at a young age, I desired to be a priest, it was when I was pursuing my Masters that I felt the Lord was calling me and I responded to it by joining the Seminary in 2012. My parents, the priests serving in my parish and the priests from my village are a great inspiration for me, in my formation and priestly ministry. Some of the challenges that I faced were the thought of being my parent’s only son and an accident where I injured my eye. But trusting that God has called me, I faced them and experienced
his grace in difficult situations. This year, I was ordained as a priest for
our Archdiocese.
Sr Cloisall Cardozo SFN, Canacona
Flight to God
The words “What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life,” resonated in my soul as a teenager. God drew me to himself through the Sacraments, catechesis and meaningful friendships. The life-witness of the Holy Family Sisters lit a flame within. Being the eldest of five siblings, I felt obliged to help my parents. Completing aviation management, I started working. My family wanted to see me settled while I discerned God’s call. God’s favour in a tragedy led me to a retreat and to God’s plans. With difficulty, I convinced my family and joined the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Fr Alex Braganza OCD, Merces
My mother’s prayers sustained my vocation
I was immensely inspired to answer God’s call by my primary school principal, Fr Sertorio Rodrigues, who gave me opportunities in the parish choir, Legion of Mary and altar servers. Fr Jerome Braganza, a Carmelite priest, nurtured my vocation and guided me to the Carmelite Order, after my SSC. The twelve years of formation at different places outside Goa, different languages, food habits and economic situation, were quite challenging. But God writes straight in crooked lines. My spiritual guides and my personal convictions helped me face all challenges. I can’t forget my mother’s hard work and prayers that sustained my vocation.
Sr Manisha Fernandes FSMA, Chinchinnim
Silence helped me discern God’s will
As the eldest with two brothers, I was taught to love Christ deeply. After Class 12, I strongly felt called to be a nun but my mother declined. After graduation, I grew independent and worked in a renowned computer institution until the day I met with an accident. My life came to a standstill. My jaws were stitched for a month. In that silence of mind and heart, I once again heard God’s call. Sr Vijaya, a Franciscan nun, nurtured my vocation. The grace received in the Eucharist and the Rosary helped me convince my loved ones. In 2004, I joined the congregation of FSMA.
Sr Maria Vaz SJT, Agassaim
Life of Mother Mary facilitated my ‘Yes’
My ‘First Holy Communion’ and my frequent visits to the church gazing at Mother Mary, desiring to be like her ‘pure and chaste’, sowed the seed of vocation. The allure of the world postponed my ‘Yes’ to the Lord. After years of prayer and discernment, the words from the Bible “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” convinced me of my call. Being the eldest of four siblings, my family was sad but they let me go and I joined ‘The Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes’.
Fr Rahul Fernandes OFM Cap, Velim
Life of St Francis of Assisi inspired me
I’m blessed to be born in a devout family, together with my twin brother and a younger sister. They sowed in me the seed of God’s love. Since childhood, I wanted to make God the only desire of my heart. I spent hours on the hills, discerning between my ambitions and renouncing everything for God. God revealed His plan through a Franciscan priest, who spoke to me about St Francis of Assisi, kissing a leper. Thus, ‘to Serve God’ became my sole motto. My family had dreams for me but I was convinced of being called to share the everlasting love of God with His people.
