Heed the Call of Priesthood – The Deepest Desire

Fr. Samuel Gan

What has been part of your life?

In my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to meet a parish priest who was about 80 years old. He had remarkable humility and lived a simple life that deeply impressed me. What captivated me most, however, was his gentle smile, which radiated a sense of serenity and peace that touched my heart. I began visiting him regularly, confessing to him and talking with him. As time went by, our relationship grew stronger, and he even invited me to stay at the parish and share meals with him. I took an active role in serving the mass and doing what I could for the house.

Why did I decide to pursue a religious life?

Looking back, it was a beautiful time that made me feel at home in the Church, and I tasted the sweetness of faith, which filled my heart with satisfaction. Most importantly, I felt God's acceptance, mercy, forgiveness, and peace through this kind of priest. One day, I realized that I had fallen in love with God and felt a calling to become a priest.

My family’s religious background

After college, I shared my desire with my family, but unfortunately, no one supported me. My father was so upset that he wanted to end our relationship and asked me not to come back if I made this decision. I was devastated, confused, and felt helpless. I decided to give in and put my desires on hold to avoid hurting my father and causing any brokenness in my family. So, I found a job. After working for one and a half years, the desire to become a priest never faded.

How my religious beliefs have changed over time.

I finally dared to tell my family about my deepest desires. They eventually came to understand my situation and blessed me to pursue my vocation. Today, I am a Jesuit scholastic and have witnessed God's graces and blessings in this journey and my family.

My advice for those who are interested (Conclusion)

What I want to say is that I will never go wrong if I follow the deepest desire within me. For me, this desire can lead me to my authentic self and God.