But as for me He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy for I am holy” (1 Peter 1; 15 – 16)

God calls us in mysterious ways. Each member in the Religious Congregations /Societies/Secular Institutes and a Consecrated person have a story to tell. Each one is unique and so is their Vocation Story.

As for me the seeds of my vocation were planted by my parents. Even as a child and whilst growing up, my parents, my five siblings and I would pray the family rosary, and read Holy Scriptures daily. Many times I was given the opportunity to lead the rosary. We attended mass and novenas and I always asked God to bless my plans. From childhood I had a desire to follow Jesus. My vocation was nurtured by my parents and continues to be watered and encouraged by many people who come into my life.

Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta, whom I saw on television, was my great inspiration. As I matured spiritually, I realized that following Jesus Christ would not be easy. It calls not only for prayer but the need to surrender my whole life.

As any normal young girl, I was attracted and fascinated by the glamor of the world. I had my own plans and ambitions. Any disruptions in my plans were of course unwelcomed. Talks about vocation to the Religious life were not that appealing to me. However, in Class 12, I remember an occasion that disturbed me and caused to think. The then, Assistant Parish Priest of Panjim challenged the parishioners. He said that very few Religious or Priestly vocations has had come from Panjim. He went on to say: “I am sure there is someone sitting here today who will follow Him”.

I was totally disturbed. I felt the challenge and even the call of the Lord that day. That was the beginning of a discernment process that made me realize that God was indeed calling me to a Religious Vocation. It led me to discover my vocation as a religious sister in the congregation of the Handmaids of Christ, Calangute.

“I do not know what the future holds for me; but I know who holds my future’, this statement spoke to me then and still speaks to me. Holiness is just simply doing God’s Will and being just what God wants us to be- St. Therese of Lisieux.

I am grateful to God for my calling and realize that it was God who chose me and continues to give me His grace to follow Him. Our Fr. Founder Msgr. Herculano Gonsalves in one of his letter to our sisters wrote “Be, All for God, Only for God, Always for God”. Each day I strive to be holy as I live my life all for God, only for God, always for God.

So, my dear parents and children, if we want priestly vocations in our family we need to create a prayerful environment in our family and find out if God is really calling you to be His close follower by becoming a priest or a nun. Dear children, today God is calling you, what is your response???

-Sr. Godwina O. Pereira, HC