Discerning God’s Call

At the Dominican Friars’ place in Dili, I gave a talk on St. Dominic to aspirants at a vocational meeting. Some youth whom I accompany will be testing on Nov. 22 to enter. Pray for them!
At the Dominican Friars’ place in Dili, I gave a talk on St. Dominic to aspirants at a vocational meeting. Some youth whom I accompany will be testing on Nov. 22 to enter. Pray for them!

In contrast to schools in Europe, the USA, Canada and most Asian countries, many students in East Timor aspire to become priests, Sisters or Brothers. There are dozens of Religious Orders registered with the local Church that work in parishes, run schools, formation centers and various ministries. The Diocesan Seminaries are also quite crowed.

Why do so many youth in East Timor aspire to become priests and Religious? On the one hand, it’s related to high levels of unemployment, the high cost of university education, few vocational options and the privileged status of Religious in East Timorese society. Such socioeconomic factors are undeniable, but they don’t tell the whole story.

Sr. Maria do Céu, OP, was a guest speaker in my classes, offering another model of Religious missionary life for my students to consider. She did a great job of sharing that within each of us is a “light,” a Light which is meant to be shared!
Sr. Maria do Céu, OP, was a guest speaker in my classes, offering another model of Religious missionary life for my students to consider. She did a great job of sharing that within each of us is a “light,” a Light which is meant to be shared!

Youth in East Timor have grown up with the powerful presence of the Catholic Church. Many are very grateful to the priests, Bishops, Religious and even Pope John Paul II, who supported them in their fight for Independence. Some local priests, Sisters and Bishops are still revered as heroes or champions of a cause that took so many lives. In general, their faith in God is strong and they want the Church to play a major role in their society.

Seven of my students attended the Dominican Friars’ “Come and See” vocational event.
Seven of my students attended the Dominican Friars’ “Come and See” vocational event.

As I try to understand young women and men’s motivations for joining the priesthood or Religious life, I find common themes. One is leadership. The Church and her ministers, both men and women, play important leadership roles in society. Young people regard religious life and priesthood as ways of exercising leadership among the faithful. Service is another aspect. Nearly all aspirants speak of their desire and calling to serve others, build them up, educate and/or lead them to God.

Lastly, there is the common element of wanting to consecrate their lives to God in love. It’s a joy and honor to accompany youth who feel called to such a vocation. Discerning deeply and sorting out their motivations take time, but there are plenty of people to help them. As a teacher, I also feel called to witness Maryknoll’s evangelical life among my students and help them to discern their own call.

Visiting Joana’s family in her village of Uaimori (Viqueque) in late October.
Visiting Joana’s family in her village of Uaimori (Viqueque) in late October.
In February, our Sisters’ community met with Joana da Costa, an aspirant of Maryknoll Sisters (seated left of me, on the right).
In February, our Sisters’ community met with Joana da Costa, an aspirant of Maryknoll Sisters (seated left of me, on the right).

Joana and I became friends in 2008, while I stayed at the local boarding home for poor students. She was one of the women in charge and taught me so much about East Timor.

In 2013, she expressed her desire to join Maryknoll Sisters and is now in our Admissions process. I ask for your prayers and ongoing support, so that we may continue reaching out and welcoming women into our mission!