"Dad, I want to be a priest, and yet I am afraid I will not be able to live chastity all my life"

QUESTION 127

Good evening, Dad. My name is Daniel, a young Parolien. I have a problem that is eating away at me, and I really need your advice. Actually, I am 26, and at the age of 18 I felt the desire to become a priest, but I did everything to suppress it because I did not want to live chastity all my life and I was not sure of

this call. But as I journeyed on in the Word of God group and listened to the teachings, I was able to discern well, and I am convinced that this is my vocation and that it is essential to my happiness; but I am afraid, Dad. First, I think it is already getting late for me to commit myself, and I am also afraid I will not be able to live the vow of chastity, and that is the hardest part. Right now I live chastity, but I thought it was until marriage, and now I cannot bring myself to accept extending it all my life, and I am afraid of failing during my ministry. Dad, I do not know what decision to make, and yet I have to make up my mind. Help me, Dad; I want to be happy in Christ in my life.

ANSWER

Daniel, it is a good desire to want to do the will of God. I can even say that it is the main element. When God calls you, He repeats Himself, He insists: ‘Samuel, Samuel’. It has now been 8 years that you have been mulling over this desire. It is very likely that this call comes from God. Moreover, when God calls you for a mission, He equips you. It is not only on your own strength that you must count, but on His grace. If you commit yourself sincerely, He will not leave you alone, for nothing is impossible to God. If you are a man of prayer, do not be afraid, for ‘it is impossible for the one who prays to sin’ (St. John Chrysostom). Your fear shows that you do not want to commit yourself and then be unfaithful afterwards: that is very good. I advise you to contact the parish priest of your parish and to speak to him about it. Continue your prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for the strength to accept His call. The world needs priests, the Church needs priests. It is a very beautiful ministry.

Henri Bayemi