I received God’s call at a very young age seeing the life of Sr. Terrance, my class teacher. Though drawn towards God, my character was not up to the mark of a girl who would be a religious sister in the future. The sisters invited me to experience convent life for a year. I pursued my studies staying with them. It was there that I experienced God’s loving presence during the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Thereafter I changed my life and resolved to live for God. I desire to add holiness to the Mother Church by my life of prayer, sacrifice and service.
Sr. Cleris Vianney BS, Quepem
I received my vocation as an altar boy in my Parish Church. In the 10 Std., I strongly felt called to priesthood, but I had no courage to tell my parents. At the request of a religious nun, who shared with us her vocation story, I expressed my desire and choice of vocation on a piece of paper. Fr. SANTOSH FERNANDES S.F.X. visited my home after two days and spoke of my vocation to my parents who joyfully accepted my decision. I joined the Pilar Society after XII Std. and nurtured my vocation through my prayer life. Today I serve God’s people as a Pilar missionary.
Fr. Alfred Almeida SFX, Goa-Velha
Born in a simple, devout and hardworking family with the daily rosary on my knees and compulsory catechism classes helped germinate the seeds of my vocation. My mother’s bedtime stories on the lives of Saints convinced me to believe that priests and nuns can become saints, which I earnestly desired.
With this desire, I joined the Congregation of Holy Family of Nazareth, Sancoale (SFN). Besides basic qualification, I practically did not possess any religious attributes. I loved fashion, sports and modelling. I stand witness to the fact that God writes straight with crooked lines. Every hurdle thus became the stepping stone of perseverance.
Sr. Jenifer Fernandes SFN, Agassaim
I was blessed to be born to parents who taught me, from a young age, that loving and serving God, including responding to God’s call to the priesthood, brought ultimate joy in Christian life. A deep relationship with the church and the clergy helped me discern my vocation.
In the seminary as I grew in relationship with God I had to address my many weaknesses, faults, and sins. This was an everyday painstaking exercise that meant giving up self-reliance and placing my confidence in the saving power and mercy of Christ. The Lord helped me immensely and today I am a diocesan priest.
Fr Joephil Dias, Chandor
The priests from the Carmelite Monastery, Aquem were great inspiration and role models for me. In particular, Fr Simon Stock, who helped my family in our struggling days, set an example for me of what it means to spread the love of Jesus by caring for others. A terrible fear during the Novitiate, my Mother & sister getting trapped in Kuwait-war during my Philosophy study and a terrible illness that lasted for 20 days just before the final exams of my 4thyear of Theology made me almost discontinue. My Spiritual Directors helped me grow in Prayer and trust in the Lord.
Fr. Israel Gonsalves OCD, Xellim, Loliem
The funeral service of Mother Teresa was a turning point and a source of grace in my life. I wanted to live and die like her. I tried sharing my desire to join religious life with my parents. But they would discourage me saying – I was too young or that religious life was not easy. I relented for some time but after completing my Secondary School, I insisted on joining. Being the eldest child it was a sad moment for them. I joined the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Alex, Calangute. It has been a graceful experience from the time I joined until now.
Sr. Myra Da Costa HC Chinchinim
