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Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, "Tend My lambs.” As I was praying before the Blessed Sacrament, “My Lord and My God” spoke of these same words. “He said follow Me. There have been two families who have had a major influence in my vocation to the priesthood. First, is the vibrant family of faithful and caring brothers and sisters I have found within the Jesus Youth movement. Second are my biological family, and more specifically my mother. Through these years of my formation, both of these families have impacted my life to discern the priesthood.

Until second grade, I was never interested in praying or going to church. My faith journey began a few years later, when I moved to the United States. Moving to the U.S. was a huge turning point in my life. My parents almost immediately became involved in a charismatic prayer group and began attending various retreats. Looking back, I see that through their involvement, my parents initiated the intense longing that grew in my heart for the love of Christ.

Throughout high school, I tried to fill this longing with every worldly thing that was supposed to make me feel “complete.” Yet, even as I tried to fill myself, I knew that something was missing-- that something wasn’t right. I felt meaningless, unworthy and restless. At this time, I was exposed to a charismatic youth movement called Jesus Youth (JY) through a weekly prayer meeting. For the first time in my life, I saw young people my age gathering for prayer, discussion and fellowship simply because of their own desire, and not because of outside expectations or obligations imposed on them. I was drawn to the faith and love that was present not only in their prayers, but also through their interactions with each other and the simple joy that they lived their respective lives. JY provided me with a wonderful community of people who kept me accountable, supported me and prayed for me through each baby step in my prayer life. These brothers and sisters have strongly influenced me in being the person I am today. Their support and encouragement has helped to deepen my desire to be closer to Christ.

Three years after I entered into the movement, I was invited to spend one month in Haiti for a mission trip. The experience in Haiti touched my life in ways I could never have imagined. I constantly experienced the reality of suffering, the truth in charity, and the true love that is essential in a missionary for Christ. During my time in Haiti, I spent most of my time with Fr.Isaiah, who is a full time missionary from Italy. Although I’ve met many wonderful priests, none inspired an attraction to the consecrated life like this priest. Father Isaiah was simply radiant with a holy light. The sacrifice, joy, courage, and love that permeated his ministry, inspired me for the first time to seriously discern the priesthood. Later on, through my discernment process, I met many other priests who have increased my desire to serve the Lord. The love I have for the Jesus Christ and His Church through the priesthood would not have been so prevalent without the example of these holy men who daily lay their lives down for me.

While I was undergoing all this change and growing my relationship with Christ there was another force at work. The prayer from my mother may have been the biggest reason why I have grown so much in my faith. As I was growing up, my father taught me life skills and identified and prompted me to take on different experiences to develop my integrity, honesty, and courage. On the other hand, my mother spent hours on her knees praying for the grace that I would need to undertake such a responsibility to be a faithful disciple of Christ. The image of my mother, praying while kneeling with a burning candle in her hand, is forever imprinted in my heart. This became my image of prayer.

Both of my parents have always taken their faith seriously. The principal pillar of our regular family life has always been prayer. I grew up attending Sunday mass, monthly night vigils, retreats and praying the rosary daily with my family. I remember loving to pray as a child, but being afraid of what others would think if they saw my interest. I remember hiding my rosary and prayer books, and pretending that I was absorbed in other things every time my parents or sister walked past my bedroom. However, when I became involved with JY during high school, my love for my family grew. Specifically, my relationship with my mother was taken to a much deeper level. Through her love and her openness, I was able to talk to her about any situation in my life. I knew how she would prayerfully cherish everything in her heart just as our Blessed Mother. In the same way, my mother was guiding me throughout my life even during times when I failed to recognize her love. I began to realize the gift of Motherhood, and the unconditional love she gave to us even in times of sorrow, struggle and joy. My mother had a major impact through my discernment. Although she was not fully accepting of my calling to the Priesthood, she eventually came to accept God’s will through prayer. It was only through her prayers that I came to accept the will of God in knowing the answer to God's call in my life. The love of my father and mother reveal a special love from the Lord which has shaped me into the person I am today.

The love of my parents formed me into me the best version of myself. My years in formation through my family coupled with my active participation in the JY movement have marvelously bred much fruit in my life. Christ has placed the experiences of these two families in my life in transforming me into His original masterpiece. A miniature church that nurtured my faith all throughout my life in His church has called me to be “fishers of men.”

- Melvin Paul