VOCATION TESTIMONIES

Fr. Josep Sureda, CMF
Via S. Cuore di Maria 5,
Roma, Italy

How did your missionary vocation start?
My vocation to priesthood started when I was still very young, provoked perhaps by the religious atmosphere in my family, and by the contact with priests. I was an altar boy.

How was your vocation discernment?
It was easy. Once I felt my vocation, I looked for a place to make it real. I knew the Dominicans and the Franciscans, and my parish priest brought me to them, but they were not interested in me; perhaps because I come from a humble family. I admired, however, the missionaries of the Heart of Mary, to whom I went without telling anybody. I had a great admiration for the Claretians because they were the best preachers and they were always in touch with people. My eldest brother had attended a Spiritual Retreat given by one of them, and I felt that this gave me the right to apply to them. They immediately showed interest in me. This encouraged me very much and helped me in my choice of vocation.

What was the reaction of your parents when you told them that you wanted to become a Claretian?
My mother accepted it, though she insisted that I should be a Diocesan priest. My father did not like it much. He was planning for me to take a career for which he was doing so many sacrifices. He was not satisfied about my decision. He finally accepted it when I was ordained to the priesthood.

Do you think it is worth to become missionary nowadays?
Of course it is worth it; even though I have not been able to fulfil those missionary dreams that motivated me to enter, because obedience assigned me to other missionary services.

What would you advise these young people who are now in their vocation discernment?
To let themselves be led by that first intuition of the most genuine call of God. Their generosity will be recompensed later on when they feel difficulties in different moments of their life. To look for advice from those who really care and love us, but to remain free in order to make our own decision. Frequent prayer, especially the Eucharist, and to let the Lord to carry us in his good hand.