FRUITS OF RICH SOIL | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2022

Intro: Kairos Global asked a few priests and seminarians to share about their call to priesthood and the role that the Jesus Youth movement played in shaping their vocation.

Name: Fr Ditto Devassy JY, 

Age: 40,

Year of ordination: 2016, 

Current responsibility: JY priest

Why did you choose priesthood?

For me, priesthood is the greatest gift that I could ever receive from God. The desire to serve people without any limit or condition brings great satisfaction to my life. This call helps me to be closer to God.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood?

JY brought a spiritual renewal to my life while I was working in Saudi Arabia. Prayer, sacramental life and ministries filled my heart with the love of God. The joy of being loved by God also influenced me to share it with others, especially youngsters. This made me think about becoming a priest in Jesus Youth.

***

Name: Savy George

Age: 31

Current responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood? 

Priesthood was never my dream. I got attracted to it primarily because of the person Jesus. Jesus' love was the magnetic force behind my call.  The selfless service rendered by priests, and the singular attention of their life attracted me. I was always mesmerised by the youth accompaniment of many vibrant Jesus Youth pastors. It also influenced me to opt for priesthood so that I too could help other people in need. And also realising that priesthood is a special call from God as an answer to the cry of his people.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

During my sophomore year of engineering, I was introduced to Jesus Youth by my friends, and got deeply involved with the movement. It helped me realise my strengths and weaknesses. JY fellowship was the trigger that quenched my thirst for love and friendship. I could experience tremendous love in our fellowship gatherings. It slowly challenged my concept of earthly love and even existence. Later, I met a seminarian who was also an engineer and a JY, which sparked the question, if he could, why can't I... So I followed my heart's desire, and after full-timership became part of the Jesuit order.

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Name: JohnCarol Jose

Age: 28

Current responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood? 

My deepest and intimate experience of God's mercy through the sacrament of the Eucharist held me tight to follow his path, closely considering everything else a trifle. What not than to become a bridge/ladder between the Creator and creation?

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

JY spirituality is the fount and force of my personal spirituality. It paved the path to my deepest and intimate experience of God's love and tender mercy. Jesus Youth has been facilitating my call and commitment towards my Spouse.

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Name: Christin V Jose

Age: 28

Current responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I just wanted to dedicate my life in whole to Him, who died for me.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

During my B.Tech studies, JY prayer meetings and core group meetings on the campus helped me a lot whenever I went astray. The Intercession Ministry taught me to pray not only for myself but also for others.

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Name: Fr Anthony Xaviour

Age: 37

Year of ordination: 2022

Current responsibility: 

Secretary to Archbishop of Nagpur

Why did you choose priesthood? 

The choice for priesthood was taken after a four-year discernment process. I was already working, but felt the Lord calling me to become a priest. So I resigned my job to discern the will of God. Despite the challenges and priesthood not being my first choice, I chose to follow the Lord’s call.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

It was the most important factor because I could hear God’s call to priesthood only after getting into JY fellowship. Even my discernment was done through the  movement and especially during my full-timership. I also discerned and came to the realisation that I had to become a priest for the Jesus Youth movement.

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Name: Fr Thomas PMI

Age: 36

Year of ordination: 2017

Current responsibility: Superior of Novitiate House, Mission In charge of PMI Congregation (Missionary Fathers of Incarnation)

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I used to tell my JY friends, 'My vocation is not mine, it's yours.' I have become a priest for you. So ultimately I choose priesthood for the people and for my Christ.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

My elder sister and brother were members of JY in my parish so JY members would often visit our family. That was my first interaction with JY. I began to go for parish JY prayer meetings in 2002, and after my 10th standard, I became an active member. While I was studying ITC, we used to conduct programmes for children. I found my Christ in our prayer groups and I decided to become a priest.

Name: Augustine Christi PDM

Age: 29

Current responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood? 

In college, by God’s grace, I was very active in the student organisations holding various portfolios. By God’s grace, I was always diligent in helping others and being ‘the voice for the voiceless’. One of the reasons was the struggle I experienced amidst poverty at home. The injustice I  saw at the workplace compelled me to strive for fair wages, and take steps to create job opportunities for those devoid of jobs commensurate with their education. To this end I even worked at a reputed organisation. While working zealously for said organisation, I often undertook many journeys. And in the midst of one such journey, I heard an inner voice calling me: 'Augustine, you have been running for your own interests for quite a while now. When would you run for me?' I took that voice seriously.  I had read of how St Paul was called in the midst of a journey and set aside for a divine mission.  I gave my word to Jesus: If you have called me, I will run for you. And if you call me in a manner I can understand, then I will follow you. This is what led me on the way to priesthood.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

Jesus Youth has taught me that it is better done in a group than doing something alone. I am well aware of my shortcomings and it was JY which trained me not to play myself down because of it, and gave me ample opportunities to grow.  This is evident in both prayer and action.  While studying in a Muslim-managed college, I, by myself, was powerless to bring Christian students together.  I didn't even know how to pray for this aim.  It was at this time that the fiery and spirited friends of Jesus Youth prayed, strengthened and encouraged me.  The first time I recruited people for a programme was for the Jesus Youth movement.  The JY youth group, which picks up the phone whenever you call, can be reached at any time, for any need and encourages you to find God's love and God's experience in everything. It has helped me tremendously to grow in Christian sharing, communion and brotherhood.  I don't know how to repay the support and nourishment which God's kingdom has received from this movement.  I have been very touched with the way the movement has shown me that bearing witness for the faith is a matter of pride.

***

Name: Fr Albin Anto Koonammavu

Age: 28

Year of ordination: 2021

Current responsibility: Assistant Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception Church, Dombivli, Mumbai

Why did you choose priesthood? 

To serve God and God's people. The priesthood of Jesus Christ is a radical life. It requires sacrifice that this world perceives as foolish. My vision was 'be available for others always.' I can surely say that this vision can be fulfilled in a true manner only through priesthood. So I chose priesthood.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

Prayer gatherings influenced me a lot. JY prayer gathering taught me how to pray, how to be close to God always. 

***

Name: Fr Johns George SDB

Age: 39

Year of ordination: 2022

Current responsibility: Student of Spirituality

Why did you choose priesthood? 

By his grace, when I became convinced that the Lord was calling me to become his priest, I said YES to the Salesian vocation to which he was calling me. So the sole reason is HE. When he gave me the grace to experience his immense love, the best way to make Jesus happy (2 Cor. 5:9) was to say YES to his loving call. His love compels us to love him.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

I strongly believe that JY was one of the Lord's greatest blessings and a protection for me. I was introduced to JY as an engineering student. During that time the experience of prayer in the JY meetings pulled me back from the desire to enjoy the 'world'.  How could I lead a loose life and be a JY sharing the love of Jesus? Moreover the Lord had blessed me with a good circle of friends who always helped me to remain closer to the Lord.

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Name: Fr Liju Ameparambil CMF

Age: 42

Year of ordination: 2019

Current responsibility: Zonal Vocation Promoter

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I deeply felt that God called me to the priesthood through this verse (Mt. 9:36-38) 'the harvest is plenty and labourers are few.' He speaks to me very personally and shows his people's need for priests 'to be sent,' and I have seen miracles in my life like Peter's experience (Lk. 5:4-11).

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

The Jesus Youth movement helped me to realise the unconditional love of Jesus; 'how much he paid for me'; and to love him better; that God loves me very personally. My missionary spirit is refreshed and empowered and rekindled.

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Name: Fr Shyjan Job

Age: 45

Year of ordination: 2010

Current responsibility: Rector, Don Bosco Mission Wau, South Sudan

Why did you choose priesthood? 

The mission exposure during my JY full-timers’ experience made me realise the value of priesthood. I felt the deeper calling to be a 'life-timer' for the Lord and his people. I couldn't help but say YES. 

I believe it's a call within a call to be a JY as well as to be His priest to be all things for all people...

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

My JYFT experience in an interior mission station in Assam made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming a priest and the Lord nurtured my vocation through JY members and my spiritual guides. 

The JY lifestyle has been a pillar of strength to my vocation to ministerial priesthood.

***

Name: Fr Linson Louise, SDB

Age: 42

Year of ordination: 2012

Current responsibility: 

Principal (Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Baghchung, Jorhat) & Vice Rector (Rua Home: Minor Seminary)

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I was inspired by the good example of some of the priests whom I met on various occasions. Through their interactions I came to know more about priesthood and how it can influence the lives of many people. I always had this thought that God was calling me for something special. After waiting and praying for inspiration and guidance I realised what it was. To become a channel of Christ's grace.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

I had a faith crisis while doing my graduation. Through a retreat, I was introduced to Jesus Youth. They would gather in our parish church for weekly prayer meetings. I attended these prayer meetings regularly and it began to boost my spiritual life through the Word of God and fellowship. Some of the youth leaders were really prayerful and like family to me. I was inspired to go for the ninth batch full-timers' training (2000) and was placed in Manipur. This was a year of prayer and discernment for me regarding my vocation. I joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 2001 and was ordained a priest in 2012. My JY background was always and is always a strength on my priestly journey in very many ways.

***

Name: Fr Sagil Nadakunnel CST

Age: 31

Year of ordination: 2022

Current responsibility: Assistant Parish Priest and Vice- Rector in the seminary

Why did you choose priesthood? 

Simply put, it was the sixth pillar of JY, 'Option for the poor' that brought me as a missionary priest to Africa! I still remember the 2010 JY Jubilee motto,

‘Every Jesus Youth is a missionary.' Jesus Youth has had a tremendous impact on my discernment. Nevertheless, I believe that a person's destiny is present and hidden within him/her far before s/he explores it. Similarly, to become a priest was God’s plan for me which got revealed through my exposure to Jesus Youth and other influencing factors.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

During school, I never thought I would embark upon such a journey. However, during my plus-two, after a JY retreat, I first felt the faint desire to become a priest. I attended DTP’08 (Discipleship Training Programme), which was a turning point in my life. It was not just a formation programme but a Damascus event. During my graduation, the desire got stronger like never before. By then, I was already part of the JY prayer group in college, later became assistant campus coordinator of Kothamangalam zone in Kerala, and was elected to be a member of the Kerala campus team. After my graduation, despite the fear, worry, and shame I decided to follow my conscience. As a result I joined the seminary on 04 June 2012 and was ordained a priest on 2nd January 2022.

**

Name: Fr Ajay Clement Andre

Age: 46

Year of ordination: 2013

Current responsibility: Parish Priest

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I did not choose priesthood but had the desire to be a priest and God fulfilled my desire. Today I am a priest by the grace of God.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

Through Jesus Youth, I came closer to God especially through prayer life which helped me discern my vocation.

***

Name: Fr George Feliciouz

Age: 50

Year of ordination: 2015

Current responsibility: Parish Priest, Mansfield Catholic Parish, Archdiocese of Melbourne

Why did you choose priesthood? 

Since I was a child, I've always wanted to be a priest. I liked to play the Mass and my grandparents were the congregation responding. I was attracted to the Eucharist and from the age of five, would attend daily Mass as often as possible. My grandparents, parents and family were my inspiration so were my parish priests and from my earliest memory, Fr Joseph Pannikode. The Jesuit priests of my alma mater, St Michael's Anglo-Indian Boys High School Kannur and the sisters in my parish were also an inspiration. Through the inspiration of all these people I see that Jesus was choosing me.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

Jesus Youth helped in strengthening the vocation I had to the priesthood from childhood. Through Jesus Youth I came into contact with like-minded people who have an undivided love for Jesus, the Word of God, sacraments, and prayer.

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Name: Fr Vinoy Thomas Paikkattu, OP

Age: 44

Year of ordination: 2009

Current responsibility: Regent of Studies of the Province of India, Dominicans

Why did you choose priesthood? 

Ever since I knew Jesus Christ personally, the predominant desire was to commit my life entirely to him. I looked for all options, but all of them had limitations though they were beautiful. I found priesthood as the best option to commit myself to Jesus unconditionally. It was the best discernment and decision I made in my life!

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

I met Jesus Christ personally through the Jesus Youth movement, and that personal encounter changed the course of my life forever. As a young 17-year old, I was initiated into the pillars of the movement: prayer, sacraments, the Word of God, fellowship and evangelisation (option for the poor was a later addition). These gave me a strong foundation for the life I was to live later on. These directly or indirectly increased my love for the Church. Even after joining the seminary, I kept the pillars of the movement very firm and personal in my life. I was ( and still am) very proud to call myself a 'Jesus Youth' since it helped me to discern the best decision I ever made in my life. I am grateful to the numerous brothers and sisters, elders and friends in Jesus Youth who helped me to reach the goal of priesthood through their prayer and support.

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Name: Fr Bineesh John Masias OP

Age: 43

Year of ordination: 2006

Current responsibility: Director of a Retreat Centre

Why did you choose priesthood? 

When I found Jesus, 'the pearl of great value' (Mt. 13:45-46), he gave the grace to sell off everything else in order to possess him.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

I met with Jesus and grew in bonding with him in the Jesus Youth circle.

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Name: Fr Bobin Maria, OP

Age: 31

Year of ordination: 2022

Why did you choose priesthood? 

To be with Jesus in a special way, to love him and be drowned in his abundant mercy. To proclaim his Gospel to all those who are yet to hear or accept the Good News. The love and mercy which I have experienced from the Lord, I want to share with others. To take Jesus' precious Body and Blood to all people who want his healing touch in their body and soul.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

The JY movement helped me to experience and recognise God's mercy and healing in my life. JY did to me what those people who carried the paralysed man to Jesus for healing did. JY helped me to break the shell of negativity, sinfulness, pride and ego so that God's grace could flow into me. The 6 pillars of JY changed my life. Following this lifestyle helped me to love God and love my fellow brethren.  

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Name: Fr Manoj Varghese

Age: 39

Year of ordination: 2022

Current responsibility: Assistant Parish Priest

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I got an opportunity to know Jesus Christ through my ten-year Jesus Youth experience. And, the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron of Jesus Youth, has inspired my life to become a Capuchin friar.

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Name: Jeril Tom

Age: 28

Current responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood?

First of all, I am pretty sure that the Lord chose me to be his servant-minister and I only responded to his call. Secondly, priesthood gives me that ideal opportunity to be intimately close to him and serve his people in an extensive manner. Unlike any other vocation, undivided love for him helps me to lovingly serve others through my thoughts, words and deeds. Serving God and his people becomes my sole food and drink. So, he gives me grace through his ministerial priesthood to lovingly serve God and people, without which, I feel my life would not have served its true purpose.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

JY was absolutely instrumental in giving me convictions regarding my vocation. Though I had an ardent desire to be a priest from my young age, only after a JY exposure, I became convinced of my religious priesthood. The 6 pillars are definitely a bonus, which even helps me in my religious life. The values - personal intimacy with Christ, placing others and their needs before mine, making oneself available for others despite hectic personal works, healthy fellowship, love for the Word of God and the Church, leadership skills, etc. are those which I cherish from JY and obviously these help me live my religious life as well. It is also true that I was fascinated by the life examples of many model JYs which thoroughly inspired me to this vocation.

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Name: Fr Sijo Poulose

Age: 40

Year of ordination: 2022

Current Responsibility: Assistant Parish Priest

Why did you choose priesthood?

In search of my life's aim, I realised that God's plan for me was priesthood. It is through his mercy, I could proceed and finally God made me his own.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood?

There are so many factors to tell. First, my family, my parish and my friends. Since mine is a late occasion, JY has a great role. It is through Jesus Youth, God inspired me to desire priesthood.

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Name: Fr Joe Antony

Age: 40

Year of ordination: 2021

Current Responsibility: Member of the Dominican convent in Antwerp. Doing Masters in Theology in KU Leuven, Belgium.

Why did you choose priesthood?

I once asked the Lord in prayer, 'What do you want from my life?' And he showed me what he wanted from me and I said Yes. I did not choose it, I received it as a gift.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood?

JY spiritual programmes and friends supported me and motivated me to live a spiritual life, be committed to a prayer life, and to Jesus and his Church.

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Name: Noel Xavier

Age: 25

Current Responsibility: Seminarian

Why did you choose priesthood?

I realised that God was calling me for this life. The thirst to serve the people of God and celebrate the sacraments is my greatest desire. I have now completed 7 years of formation in the CMI congregation. God has guided me throughout my life even during difficult times. In the end, God's plan is most beautiful so I decided to follow his plan for me.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood?

JY has contributed a major part to my vocation. At school, various programmes and fellowship in JY helped me see how beautiful it is to walk in his ways. My personal relationship with Jesus thus grew which later helped in choosing my vocation. My parents and many JY elders still help me in my vocation.

***

Name: Fr Thomas Pulickal 

Age: 36

Year of ordination: 2020

Current responsibility: JY priest of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese, Chicago; 

Assistant Professor at St Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary; Assistant Pastor of Our Lady of Health Syro-Malabar parish, Florida

Why did you choose priesthood? 

I was always open to priesthood because I believed, as a matter of principle that every Christian young man ought to discern this possibility. There were instances when I thought I might be called to priesthood, but I was largely convinced that my call was to the lay and married vocation. When I was 26, one day at Mass, I felt the Lord calling me to priesthood. From that moment, my vocational journey took a sudden turn.

How was JY a factor in your road to priesthood? 

I was sure that the movement’s charism, having already produced great fruit, had still much to offer the world. I desired to be part of that, as a priest. Also the gratitude I felt for those priests who were spiritual fathers to us as young people and families growing in the movement, building us up as disciples of Christ. The movement support was key in discovering the Lord’s call to live as a JY priest.