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| When one sees the subject of this email, "Divine Mercy, Blessed Virgin Mary and the Pope", what would come to mind? One if knowledgeable of the late Pope John Paul the Second, he was first of all the Pope but had a great devotion to Divine Mercy and the BVM. In the past year I have been struggling with what God has been calling me to do in my life. He placed so many options before me, politics, music director, and priesthood. Though at the ripe young age of 15, one would change his or her mind a lot. However, for several years I have felt called to serve Christ as a priest. This call would be tested numerous times but all would lead to the direct result that I have been and will be forever meant for the priesthood. God used certain events in my life to show me how I must be open to a lot of things as a future priest. Recently upon the Pope's death, I did indeed mourn, but I did something else. I rejoiced as Heaven must have rejoiced because a great saint was stepping into the fullness of life, from the world of the "culture of death." In the past I held devotion to the BVM and prayed the divine mercy chaplet. During a time where I had a lapse of faith I fell away from these devotions and just strictly said a short prayer before bed. Now I pray the Liturgy of the Hours, Divine mercy chaplet and the rosary. Since the Pope's death I started my past devotions to the merciful Lord by praying the chaplet and showed my love to the mother of God by praying the rosary. This one event has led me to a deeper communion with God in the spiritual sense. Through the Pope's death I have come back to the Lord, who accepted me back. I then began to think about my vocation, prayed about it, and finally realized I am meant and should be reserved for the priesthood. Through prayer I realized that I should enter a college seminary to begin the priestly formation. I belong to a website, and when I informed them all of this process, they told me that they had been praying for this for several months now, that I would realize my calling. I have now realized it, and now ask prayers from the IIPG group. I ask you to pray that I may continue to grow in my faith, so one day I will become a holy priest. Thank you for taking time to read this! Ave Maris Stella, Eddie Lee http://www.avemarisstella.com |
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Dear Eddie, I have been praying that the spirit of JPII might continue to be active in our earthly life, just as that of St. Therese of Lisieux is known to be a powerful help. Your note confirms my belief that he will be. I can think of no higher compliment to the love he showed as Pope and his desire to reach youth and uphold the beauty and wonder of the priesthood than for you (and others) to experience such depth of faith and love for Our Lord and be open to the conversion process and be formed into the unique, wonderful and holy person God created you to be. Since this sounds a little too "sweet" perhaps I should add that I am coming to recognize that priests (and religious, too) are in truth something very holy-- a powerful force for good, defenders of the vulnerable, strength for women and men alike. We are coming out of 30+ years of the priesthood being looked down upon as if these men were weak, escapist, fools or brainwashed.... No, your note suggests that young people are beginning to recognize a power beyond our earthly pleasures which connects us to our highest ideals and our highest selves. May you realize your hopes and dreams to become a priest, and may you be a good one bringing love, service, compassion, faith and trust in God and the intercession of Mary and the saints. May you recognize the great salvation and power of the sacraments you serve your people with and at all times remember yourself a servant of servants, consecrated fully to the love of God and His will. And may you know the peace and joy of this great life and service in the name of Christ. God Bless, sharon - AZ |