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 of the Archdiocese of Bombay. Born and raised in a traditional Catholic family in Mumbai, my upbringing was steeped in faith. Daily rosaries were a family ritual, and Sunday Mass was non-negotiable unless one was unwell. Despite this strong foundation, the idea of priesthood was far from my mind.
"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all.” – Psalm 104:24
The Turning Point: Experience at the retreat
Everything changed when I attended a Charismatic Retreat in Khandala, a serene hill station near Mumbai. Immersed in prayer amidst the beauty of nature, I experienced God in a deeply personal way. While reflecting on Psalm 104, the psalmist's words came alive: “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all.” In that moment, I felt God’s presence so powerfully that it left an indelible mark on my heart. This encounter, along with a newfound love for the Eucharist, ignited a spiritual transformation within me.
Khandala Retreat Centre
“It was during Mass in Bahrain that I first felt God calling me to the priesthood.”
Challenges: Struggles in discerning the call
Even after this awakening, the thought of priesthood didn’t surface immediately. In 1991, I moved to Bahrain for work and was delighted to find a vibrant Catholic community at Sacred Heart Church in Manama. It was here, surrounded by people from diverse cultures united in worship, that I felt the universality of the Church. During one Mass, I sensed God calling me to become a priest. It was an overwhelming realization, but when I sought guidance from an older priest, he advised me to discern carefully and not rush the decision.
Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain
"I felt God nudging me once again"
The Decision: Steps to join the seminary
Back in Mumbai in 1994, life got busy, and the memory of this call faded—until a holy couple visited me one day. Their stories about missed vocations resonated deeply, and I felt God nudging me once again. With their encouragement, I met the seminary rector, who guided me through discernment. After much prayer and reflection, I was accepted to begin my formation.
Overcoming Family Challenges
Convincing my family, especially my father, was a challenge. As the youngest son, he envisioned a different future for me. However, with time, patience, and prayer, he came to accept my decision. My mother, siblings, and sister were supportive, which gave me the courage to move forward.
“God had a perfect plan for me—a plan that started with a personal encounter and led to a life in His service.”
Life as a priest and gratitude to God
In 1996, at the age of 30, I entered St. Pius X Major Seminary. Eight years later, in 2004, I was ordained as a priest. Now, after 20 years of serving God’s people, I can say with confidence that answering His call was the best decision of my life. God had a perfect plan for me—a plan that started with a personal encounter and led to a fulfilling life in His service.To anyone discerning their vocation: trust God’s plan. Take the leap of faith, and you’ll discover a life filled with peace, purpose, and joy.
To Glory be the Glory!
Fr. Vincent Barboza
“This is just a glimpse of my journey. If you'd like to dive deeper into the full story of how God led me to the priesthood, including the challenges and blessings along the way, click below to read the complete version.” [Read Full Story]
St. Pius X Seminary, Goregaon, Mumbai
