Called by God:
My Journey to the Priesthood
Experiencing God’s Love and
Saying Yes to His Call
Introduction: Family background and upbringing
I am Fr. Vincent Barboza, a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Bombay. Born and raised in a traditional Catholic family in Mumbai, faith was the cornerstone of our household. The family rosary was a daily ritual, and Sunday Mass was non-negotiable, except in cases of illness. Despite being a devout Catholic, the thought of priesthood never crossed my mind.
The Turning Point: God's Experience at the retreat
Looking back, I can clearly see how God’s hand guided me, step by step, toward the priesthood. The journey began with a transformative experience at a Charismatic Retreat in Khandala, a serene hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai. The retreat was led by Frs. Rufus Pereira and James D’Souza. During one of my personal prayer moments, I stepped outside to connect with nature—breathing in the fresh air and listening to the melodious chirping of birds. With my Bible in hand, I prayed using Psalm 104, where the psalmist praises God for the splendor of His creation:
"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." (Psalm 104:24)
As I read, the psalmist’s words became my own. I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s love and presence. It was as if the words of Scripture came alive, speaking directly to my heart. This profound encounter with God in the midst of His creation has stayed with me ever since. Alongside this, I developed a deep love for the Eucharist. During Mass, I felt a tangible connection with God. By the end of the retreat, my relationship with the Lord had transformed—it was now real, personal, and alive.After this experience, I became more intentional about my spiritual life. Attending Mass and fulfilling my spiritual duties were no longer obligations but desires. I joined the parish Charismatic Prayer Group and became an active member of the church. Yet, even with this deepened faith, the idea of joining the seminary did not occur to me.
Khandala Retreat Centre
Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain
Hearing God’s Call in Bahrain
In 1991, an unexpected opportunity came my way: a job with a food supply company in Manama, Bahrain. My main concern was whether I could attend Mass, at least on Sundays, in a predominantly Muslim country. To my delight, Bahrain allowed Christians to practice their faith, and I soon became a regular at Sacred Heart Church in Manama—not just on Sundays but daily. Immersing myself in church activities, I joined the Charismatic Prayer Group, the Legion of Mary, and served as an usher at Masses.It was in this multicultural parish that I truly experienced the universality of the Church, where people from diverse nationalities and cultures came together to worship the same God. One day, during Mass, I felt a profound call to the priesthood. Immediately after Mass, I approached an elderly religious priest to share my experience. Much to my surprise, he gently curbed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to take my time for thoughtful discernment.
Challenges: Struggles in discerning the call
Returning to India in 1994, I became absorbed in work and set aside thoughts of a vocation. Then one day, an elderly couple visited me, and during our conversation, the topic of vocations arose. The woman recounted two cautionary stories: one of a man destined for priesthood who chose marriage and was unhappy, and another of a man called to married life who entered the seminary but found no peace. Her words struck a chord. I humbly shared my experience of God’s call in Bahrain, and she encouraged me to meet the seminary rector.
Overcoming Family Challenges
The rector Fr. Caesar D'Mello and seminary professors guided me through a process of discernment, ultimately confirming the authenticity of my call. When I informed my family, my father initially struggled with the idea. Being the youngest of four brothers and one sister, he had hoped I would stay close to him. However, after several heartfelt discussions, he gave me his blessing, and my family rallied around my decision.
St. Pius X Seminary, Goregaon, Mumbai
The Decision: Steps to join the seminary
In 1996, at the age of 30, I entered St. Pius X Major Seminary. After eight years of formation, I was ordained a priest on April 17, 2004, by the late Ivan Cardinal Dias. Looking back, I can see how God orchestrated every step. He gave me a personal experience of His love, nurtured my devotion to the Eucharist, and prepared my heart to embrace the priesthood.
Life as a priest and gratitude to God
Now, after 20 years as a priest, I can confidently say that I made the right decision. Serving God and His people has given my life meaning and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful for the grace to respond to His call, despite the challenges along the way. My prayer is that other young men may also find the The Ordination of Fr. Vincent Barboza to say "yes" to God’s call and discover the joy it brings.
To God be the glory!
Fr. Vincent Barboza
A Blessed Day: My Ordination to Priesthood
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