Vocation Stories - Fr Epeli Qimaqima

Summary

This reflective narrative captures the spiritual journey of an individual discerning the call to priesthood. The narrator recalls their early desire to become a priest, the moment of divine clarity while praying the rosary, and their commitment to follow God's will. Through prayer and discernment, they recognize the profound responsibility of the priesthood: to serve others and help guide souls to heaven. The story emphasizes the role of God's grace, personal sacrifice, and the importance of community support, encouraging others, particularly young men, to listen to God’s voice and trust in His timing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker recalls a lifelong desire to become a priest, with early childhood experiences indicating an inherent calling.
• 😀 Prayer and a deep connection with God were key to discerning the priesthood, with the speaker often praying for guidance on how to serve others.
• 😀 A pivotal moment of clarity occurred during the speaker's time at teacher's college, when they heard a clear call from God to become a priest while walking and praying the rosary.
• 😀 The speaker's response to God's call was one of trust and openness, though they asked for 10 years to fulfill personal milestones, such as seeing their sister grow up and completing college.
• 😀 The call to priesthood was not an immediate leap but a process, and the speaker highlights the importance of having courage and faith when answering God's call.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the role of priests as helpers of souls, striving for eternal salvation through their ministry, supported by God's grace and the prayers of the Church.
• 😀 The experience of divine peace and assurance was central to the speaker's discernment, feeling supported by God's voice in their heart.
• 😀 Reading the Gospels and the Apostles' stories played a significant role in the speaker's understanding of vocation, emphasizing the apostles' immediate responses to their call.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that being a priest requires a deep love for both Christ and His people, as the priesthood is a vocation driven by love and service.
• 😀 The speaker encourages other young men who are searching for purpose to consider the priesthood, stating that it is a meaningful and fulfilling path if pursued with love and commitment.
• 😀 The speaker's prayer for fidelity is an ongoing desire for strength and commitment to live out the priesthood faithfully, with God's guidance.

Q & A

What sparked the speaker's initial desire to become a priest?

The speaker’s initial desire to become a priest was sparked by childhood memories, where he pretended to be a priest by using a blanket and reenacting priestly rituals at home.

How did the speaker realize that he was being called to the priesthood?

The speaker realized he was being called to the priesthood during his time in teacher training college. While praying the rosary during evening walks, he clearly heard the words 'priesthood' and felt a deep, inexplicable peace in his heart, confirming his calling.

What was the speaker's prayer when he received his calling, and why did he ask for time?

The speaker prayed, 'Lord, what do you want me to do for you and your people?' He asked for 10 years to see his baby sister grow up, finish his studies at Teachers College, and work for a while, as he felt these personal milestones were important before fully committing to the priesthood.

How does the speaker describe the experience of hearing God's call?

The speaker describes the experience as profound and clear, marked by peace and a sense of divine communication. He compares it to someone speaking directly to him, leading to a deep confidence that it was indeed the voice of God.

What role does courage play in the speaker’s decision to become a priest?

Courage plays a significant role in accepting God’s call. The speaker emphasizes that responding to God’s will requires bravery and the strength to let go of personal desires, embracing a life of service and commitment to others.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of discernment in the process of becoming a priest?

The speaker stresses discernment as essential because it helps individuals to understand God's will for their lives. He reflects on how the Apostles were willing to leave everything behind when they received their calling, highlighting the importance of being open and receptive to God's guidance.

What does the speaker mean when he says the priesthood is not a solitary journey?

The speaker means that becoming a priest is not just about individual effort but is supported by the grace of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the prayers of the Church community, which provide strength and encouragement in the vocation.

How does the speaker view the role of love in the priesthood?

The speaker views love as the foundational element of the priesthood. Without love for God and His people, the priesthood would be meaningless. He emphasizes that a priest is called to be Christ’s love in the world, embodying His heart for others.

What is the speaker’s ultimate goal as a priest?

The speaker’s ultimate goal as a priest is to help guide souls toward eternal salvation, supporting them through faith, prayer, and service, all while being deeply connected to God’s grace and love.

What advice does the speaker offer to young men considering the priesthood?

The speaker advises young men who are discerning their vocation to open their hearts to God’s call and be courageous in accepting His will. He emphasizes that the priesthood is a path of service, commitment, and love, and that it is worth pursuing for the sake of eternal salvation and helping others.