But what if you reject a religious vocation?

[tessi]

When I was 18 I thought of becoming a Carmelite nun, I went to the convent and talked to the Mother superior but for selfish reasons I looked back and dismissed the call. Years went by and at 30 I received the call again and again I went to the convent and again I said no. There was a third time (at 31) but this time the convent said no. Now I’m 41 and terrible depressed, I often think of Saul, he was rejected because of disobedience, God didn’t accept his repentance.

Could that be my case? Could I be condemned for going my own way?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You are assuming that you really did have a call in the first place. We do not know that. You never proceded enough to learn if you really had a call or not. The desire is only the first sign of a vocation. Only when the religious institute receives one into final vows can one know for sure.

But even if you did in fact have a vocation and turned away, all you need to do is ask His forgiveness. His love is far greater than our sins. Heaven is peopled with individuals who turned their backs on God and then repented. (Saint Paul was actually guilty for the stoning of St. Stephen. You haven’t killed anyone.) So long as we sincerely ask forgiveness, we will always be forgiven. Cheer up. He’s not finished with you either.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.