Vocation roadshow in Bestari Jaya draws many youths

Jun 05, 2015

BESTARI JAYA: The Archdiocese Vocation Promotion Team (AVPT) went full force in Bestari Jaya, much to the delight of the parishioners of the Church of St Paul The Hermit to see so many religious brothers and sisters coming together with Fr Christopher W. Soosaipillai for their Vocation Roadshow on May 17.

In the AVPT team were Bro Andrew Loke FSC and Bro Ignatius Heri (from Indonesia), Sr Glory Theresa LSP, Sr Angeline Poh FMM, Sr Roseline Arokiasamy IJS, Sr Grace Choing & Sr Theresa Heng RGS, Sr Theresa Chew FDCC, Clare Paul & Lily Selvarajah (Auxillary Apostolate) and Fr Chris. All of them shared their vocation stories and how God had touched their lives.

Sr Angeline Poh said that she felt very welcomed and was surprised that though she couldn’t understand Tamil, she could still participate fully at Mass. Sr Poh added that she was also very happy to see the parish produce so many priests and religious over the years. The latest ‘fruit’ is Sr Glory Theresa, LSP, who made her first vows on May 2, 2015. This Vocation Roadshow to Sr Glory’s parish was so timely that Sr Poh could not help rejoicing with her and her family members.

According to Sr Poh, when she sat in the pew listening to Sr Rosaline and Lily share their vocation stories in Tamil, she sensed so much joy in them that they had found the treasure in their lives. “I didn’t understand their stories but looking at their faces and gestures, I saw their happiness. That is the greatest witness that crosses all languages and races. I’m sure that the youth were touched by their stories too,” added Sr Poh.

Many youths, both male and female were present. Listening to two other religious, Bro Ignatius and Sr Grace, share their stories also helped them to realize the important gift of consecrated life.

During the Mass, Fr Chris preached on the Oneness of Jesus with the Father. Jesus is always praying for us, His disciples.

Fr Chris, who is the Vocation Director, added that prayer makes all things beautiful, including vocations. He added that through their prayers, many vocations have borne fruit and there is hope that many more will come from this parish. This year, Ganaselvam from Bestari Jaya has joined the seminary in College General, Penang. Fr Chris asked the assembly to continue praying for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life, as prayer is vital. “All we do is from God and for His glory. With His blessings, we hope many more young people will be touched by God and will accept Jesus’ call to be His priests and religious.”

Fr Chris told the youths to study hard and not to be afraid to face challenges in life, especially to learn and grow and to master the English language as it is an important language of communication and education.

The AVPT team also expressed their appreciation to Fr Edwin Paul, the parish priest, for his invitation and most of all, for his zeal and love to cultivate vocations in his parish in Bestari Jaya and its surroundings chapels. With this Vocation Roadshow, it is hoped that with the sharing and witnessing of faith by the AVPT team members, greater awareness of the noble vocations to the priesthood and religious life will be fostered and young Catholics would consider joining to serve God and the people. --By Bernard Anthony