The Story of a Young Priest (I)

In these few lines I would like to tell everyone but especially my brother priests throughout the world about how I felt Mary's maternal protection as I answered my call to the vocation. Before I formed you in your mother's womb I knew you... Since I was very young I felt a strong calling to the priesthood. My family and my closeness to Christ in the Eucharist in my parish growing up helped me to form the ideal of becoming a priest which bit by bit became reality. I entered the National Seminary in Costa Rica at the age of 17. I felt the sincere desire to follow Jesus in the priestly vocation. The following year our Lord granted me a test so as to purify me in my decision to follow Him. My mother passed away after a brief illness which was very painful. I saw this as a necessary step so as to prepare me for my mission. This pain was part of my priestly formation. At the same time I felt that I was not alone. I had a Mother that wanted to take care of me, the Blessed Virgin Mary. I asked her to watch over me and help me on the path towards priesthood. Six years later, not without tests and challenges, I received the ministries of lectorate and acolyte. Even though everything was going well the Lord asked another sacrifice from me. At the end of my second to last year of studies the rector of the seminary asked me to retire for a time so as to mature in my vocation. I did not understand but God was following his plan. I was upset since I thought that after six years and feeling strongly the call to the priesthood it was impossible for them to ask me to take time to think about it. It was a true test of faith and absolute trust in Him. I could not base my yes on sentiments. My only security was God. Mary was there to console me. I prayed the rosary frequently during those three years I lived outside the seminary and this helped me to persevere. They were three years of true formation. Our Lord wanted me as his priest but I needed to learn how to trust in Him alone. May Our Lady, Mother of the Eternal Priest, protect and guide all of her son's priests.