After our three novices spent two years at the Maria Della Strada Novitiate in Taunggyi, Myanmar, they professed their First Vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Vow Day Mass was held on 19th March 2022 at Holy Spirit Church, Seven Fountains, Chiang Mai,11:00 AM.

"Vocation"

The word vocation basically means the call. In religious contexts, it refers to God’s call to us. In a broader sense, God calls all of us to live our lives according to God’s plan for the growing Kingdom. However, God also calls each of us to live a particular lifestyle. Some are called to be married, others to be single. Some few others yet are called to priesthood or religious life. Jesuits are called to live religious lifestyle in an order called the Society of Jesus. Most Jesuits, though not all, are also called to be ordained priests. Some men will ask to serve God as a Brother in the Society of Jesus.

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok, Cardinal Meechai, used to say that “the ordination of a Jesuit is like an elephant giving birth.” It is because they take quite a long time in their formation. I would say he is right, that the Jesuit’s formation takes a longer time, which is 11 to 12 years in our Thai region. There is no other reason than to take time to get a more profound experience of God and so prepare to serve the Church better. This is my second year in doing my theological study in Spain. And in this second year I have had an intensive program on Jesuit priesthood.