Gerard Lai, A Seminarian's Story

I REALISED THAT JESUS WAS THE REAL DEAL AND THAT I COULD HAVE A PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP WITH HIM, JUST LIKE A BEST FRIEND.

I was brought up in a Catholic family as the middle child between two sisters. My parents are both from Malaysia, and they met here in Australia. Faith at home was praying before meals, praying before bedtime and going to mass on the weekend. I had faith, I believed in God, but I did not quite understand what that meant. Growing up, I never really considered the Priesthood.

I was at a youth camp in year 10 when I had my first spiritual awakening. The most exciting part of the camp was experiencing the power and love of Jesus for the first time. This happened during a time of reflection we were invited to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At first, I told the priest the little things, but finally, I poured out my heart and told him everything. I looked up to see the priest’s reaction, he just looked at me, smiled very gently and warmly, said the prayer of absolution and wished me well.

As I walked back to my seat, I remember feeling a wave of peace come over me. It finally all made sense. I realised that Jesus was the real deal and that I could have a personal friendship with him, just like a best friend.

After high school, I completed two years of missionary work with NET Ministries Australia. I then continued pursuing my dream to become a scientist by studying a Bachelor of Science which I completed in 2016.

However, I felt like something was missing. My time on NET had really deepened my faith and made me realise that it was not automatic that you got married, had kids. There were other ways to serve. I wanted to find out what this whole priesthood thing was for myself. So I had a chat with the Vocations Office, and they recommended that I move into Canali House, a house of discernment of men thinking about the Priesthood. I spent two years in Canali house discerning God’s call for me.

I remember towards the end of my second year at Canali, I thought to myself: “Gerard, you can’t discern forever.” I remember still being torn between becoming a good dad and a good priest. So I said a sincere prayer asking God to show me which path I should take. I reflected on my life journey from high school until my current moment.

The fact that I was still considering Priesthood for two years in Canali House without any clear sign opposing it, made me sway in favour of the Priesthood. I still felt compelled to give Priesthood a go and knew that I would be discerning in the Seminary anyway so I went ahead with it.

I knew deep down that I would be running away from God and live in regret if I didn’t give the Seminary a go. So I gave it a go and here I am three years later, still on the journey and still discerning in the Seminary, but now I feel even more convicted that I’m supposed to be a priest.

In the Seminary, we do not pray 24/7, we do not know the bible back to front, nor do we have our lives in perfect order. Just like Jesus’ disciples, we are very ordinary people who have responded to the call of God in an extraordinary way.

Father Frank Jones, A Priesthood Life Story

ONCE I RECEIVED THE CERTAINTY OF HIS PRESENCE IN THE MASS, I WAS HOOKED.

I’ve been a priest for over 33 years, and I’d have to say that every year the joy of priesthood just gets better. It is this joy that keeps me going and maintains my sense of deep gratitude.

At the centre of the life of a priest is this mystery of being loved by God and feeling that love increase as you get older. I have never felt more contentment and deep satisfaction in my life as I do now. All this is due to the grace and blessings of being one with Jesus in His priesthood.

My journey began at 15 years of age when I felt that the Lord was calling me. I started going to Mass daily beginning each day with Him, and once I received the certainty of His real presence in the Mass, I was hooked for life.

I began a St Vincent de Paul conference with mates from school where we would mow lawns for the widowed and visit the lonely once a week. Small acts of charity but the blessings I received through those encounters only enhanced my sense of vocation.

The paths I have taken as a priest have led me from Australia to Latin America and serving amongst very poor peoples. It has been a privilege and again joy to become family amongst different cultures.

As a priest, you are given the name Father because you become part of a family in any mission or parish you are sent to lead. The Spirit is the one who leads you to places you would never have thought possible. The mateship and loving friendship amongst my priest mates and beautiful people of the parishes I have belonged to never leave you. There is a bond that reaches into eternity, and every Eucharist opens that reality each day.

All the wonderful women friends and religious who have taught me the essence of my vocation are part of the joy beyond human understanding that St Paul refers to in his letters. Any suffering I have encountered along the way has always been followed by grace. This joy I refer to is the gift of the Spirit. It is the centre of our being as a priest and part of the hundredfold that Jesus promises.