PHOTO: GREG BELLAMY

Many ask me at what age I decided upon a vocation to the priesthood, but, like all vocations, it was a calling from God rather than a personal whim. God has used various experiences, especially World Youth Day in Cologne and Sydney to gently point out His will to me.

The first inkling I felt of a priestly vocation was at about the age of 12. After completing my primary schooling at St Anne’s in Sunbury’s Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish, I attended Salesian College, Rupertswood. It was learning about St John Bosco’s (Salesian Founder) mission of educating poor youth, but more particularly his spiritual care of the young boys, that left a great mark upon me. St John Bosco’s great love of Our Lord in the Eucharist and deep devotion to Our Lady ignited my discernment of a vocation to the priesthood. I began to pray daily for discernment and wisdom, and that others would have the grace to understand God’s will for me. Initially I was attracted to the idea of joining the Salesians, but as my discernment continued I felt that God was calling me to the diocesan priesthood.

In year 12 I was greatly blessed to be sent to the WYD in Cologne. At first I was simply excited to be going overseas for the first time in my life, with the added bonus of the Holy Father’s presence. The theme, ‘We have come to worship Him’, didn’t make its impression upon me until I actually arrived. The availability of the Sacrament of Penance, daily Mass and Adoration reoriented the pilgrimage for me. I witnessed a Church alive, young and truly universal. I began to see how pivotal the Sacraments and the Mass were for my own (as well as others’) personal encounter with Christ. I saw very clearly that to be a priest was not simply some ‘nice’ deed to do for a couple of years, but that it was a lifetime vocation God was asking of me. The presence of joyful young chaplains, the Archbishop and the auxiliary Bishops who accompanied the Melbourne group was a great witness and gentle stirring from God of a priestly vocation.

After completing VCE, I deferred a university placement, went backpacking overseas and began to apply for the seminary. Before I left for holidays I told family and friends of my seminary application. It was met with mixed reactions: “Would I be happy?” “Had I thought this through?” “What about marriage?”

Family and friends were primarily concerned about my welfare, rather than just being a stumbling block to the priesthood. Prayer was integral to my decision to enter the seminary as it kept my focus on God’s will rather than the negativity of others. Upon entering the seminary I felt a real peace, with life structured around prayer, study, and recreation. Corpus Christi College is a great place of hope, with ever-growing bodies of students and staff.

To be a pilgrim and a seminarian gave WYD Sydney a completely new feel. I was privileged to travel with the energetic youth of Knox Deanery and shared Days in the Dioceses with committed English youth. Travelling and praying with those pilgrims as well as half a million others in Sydney was a graced time from God, encouraging and confirming my vocation.

The fact that thousands of Sydneysiders were moved to tears at the Stations of the Cross showed me that the Church offers all people something unique. I was personally moved by the prayers pilgrims offered for me and my discernment. I was also blessed to be at a special Mass for young religious and seminarians, where the Pope reminded us of the value of sacrifice. It is in the sacrifice of our lives to God, that we “discover the freedom and joy which can draw others to the Love which lies beyond all other loves as their source and their ultimate fulfilment”.

Mary is the greatest model of discernment for me as she never dwelt unnecessarily on “How can this be so?” but instead consented totally to God’s will by her great ‘fiat’. My discernment has moved from a lonely questioning to ‘yes’, and I know that God has never left my side!