Asking prayers for discernment/application process

[Hobbes42]

Hello all, I hope everyone is having a Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday.

After a tumultuous few years I have finally started seriously discerning a call to the priesthood. At this point I’m trying to discern an order or secular priesthood.

At this time I’m seriously considering the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. (If so, then it’ll be a question of what to do about student loans if I’m accepted)

I’d greatly appreciate any prayers, it’s an exhilarating, and frightening time, since I’m finally trying to say yes to God after fighting His Will so long and hard.

Thanks!

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your discernment.

 

[SanctusMarcus]

It can be hard to give one’s “fiat” to the Lord, especially when one realises the sacrifices you have to make. I have discerning for a few years, and am at the point where I am thinking I want to apply. I am doing secular Priesthood, as I feel a strong call to the Parish. I am blessed by Providence that I live in an Archdiocese in England where the Seminary fees are paid for by the Church, so as no one will be turned away for lack of expenses.

It can be very tempting to say “no”, or to resist in some way the Lord’s Divine Will. But, I have found that when one just says, “I am the servant of the Lord; be it done unto me according to Thy Word”, and you consent to the calling, then you will find that the Lord takes care of everything else.

A foremost point to remember is that God works according to His own plan, not ours. You may find yourself disappointed, but do not give in. The Lord tests all His people, especially His sons who He calls into the Sacerdotal Order. I find it’s His way of testing you before you enter the Seminary.

Some practises you may want to enter into:
1] frequent Communion,
2] Adoration,
3] frequent Confession,
4] daily Rosary,
5] being active in your Parish if you’re not already,
6] a good Confessor (or Spiritual Director),
7] Lectio Divina, and spiritual reading, especially the Councils, Popes, and the Catechism.
8] Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) - the Canonical Prayer of the Church.

Stay close to the Blessed Mother, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of the Church, and also think about beginning a devotion to St. John Vianney, patron of secular Priests and perhaps St. Gaetano Errico (Feast day: 29th Oct.) if you think your vocation lies with the Missionaries of the Sac. Hearts.

Also, pray to your Guardian Angel for his guidance, as your Angel is your brother in prayer and will pray with you all the time.

Get to know other men in your position and be fraternal with them. The blessing of social media is that you can socialise with them online if your’re far from each other.

I pray this helps you. God bless.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

Prayers offered.