News & Events

Br. Jesu Raja, the Newly Ordained Recollects the Vocation Story

BWhile in 10th standard, I wrote a letter to the Salesians expressing my desire to join them but I did not get any reply from them. While in holidays at home, I had a chance to attend the vocation camp organized by the Schoenstatt Fathers. Even this did not go well either for I was told that my English was poor. It was then that I happened to meet Friar John Peter of happy memory who encouraged me to join the Franciscans and he asked me to go to Palmaner to pursue my desire. My life journey with the friars during the initial days and after was not easy as I did not join with the right intention. During the Novitiate, I had decided to leave but returned after four years of break. During these four years, I completed the under-graduation after which I started to work. Yet, there was emptiness. I always longed to come back to this Franciscan way of life. The process to return was not easy as I had to clarify my intention as to why I took a break and why I decided to return. However, I felt strongly that the Lord was guiding me during these days of uncertainties. I have always experienced God’s Presence in my life. As a newly ordained priest, I have challenges to face: spiritual pride, vain glory, Forgetting Jesus as the Centre of my life, the meaning and relevance of priesthood today and moreover being a humble servant always and everywhere. It is my conviction that God has called me to work His vineyard. – Br Jesu Raja

Back