New vocations’ courageous joy

by Editor · Published August 12, 2009 · Updated March 13, 2024

Responding to Gods call to serve him and his people in the consecrated life requires a tremendous measure of courage, especially in an age where for many the option of the consecrated life is alien and, indeed, countercultural.

The decision to follow the call to a life in the priestly or religious realm must be preceded by exhaustive discernment and prayerful reflection, by candidates and those approving their vocation alike. It is not a decision taken effortlessly. This was doubtless so in the case of Fr Donald McLoughlin of Johannesburg, whose ordination experience we feature this week.

The archdiocese of Johannesburg is blessed to receive in holy orders within two months three priests who have abandoned accomplished careers to become priests, following in the footsteps of their callings patron saint, St John Vianney, the humble Cure deArs.

Before he accepted Gods call, Fr McLoughlin had a flourishing career in mechanical engineering. Simon Donnelly, who will be ordained on September 13, was a highly regarded linguistics lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. Justin Wylie, who will be ordained on September 19, served as an advocate at the Johannesburg High Court and at the United Nations Yugoslavia War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.

For all three men, abandoning their successful careers (and whatever dreams they once entertained of having families) must have been a great sacrifice. Yet, it is a sacrifice they are making joyfully, for they have discerned that through the priesthood, in a life of selfless service, their life will make most sense. And having experienced life widely, they will know well what they are leaving behind, what they are entering into, and for what purpose.

These three men, and all who today opt for the consecrated life, are setting a commendable example to other young people who are hearing Gods call but are unsure about their response.

In his reflection, Fr McLoughlin writes: It is true that God calls us as individuals. However, we are never called separately and it is precisely in and through my parish community that God has called me and brought me to this day. Community involvement is a key in encouraging young people to hear Gods call to follow him. When Pope Benedict ordained new priests in Rome two years ago, he pointed out: Let us pray that in every parish and Christian community there be greater attention to vocations and priestly formation. That begins in the family, continues in the seminary and involves all those who are dedicated to the salvation of souls.

Once a young person has decided to follow his or her vocation in the consecrated life, the parish must be engaged, accompanying the person spiritually and, if needed, materially. Each ordination and consecration is not only a source of joy for a parish, but also a reflection of its vitality.

Of course, the new priests need support and encouragement long after the joyful day of their ordination. It is right that Pope Benedict calls the faithful to pray fervently for all our priests that they might succeed in their endeavour to attain the spiritual perfection on which, above all, the effectiveness of their ministry depends.

St John Vianney defined the priesthood simply: The priest continues the work of redemption on earth. If we really understood the priest on earth, we would die not of fright but of love. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.

May our new priests live, give and receive the eternal love of Christ.