I first encountered God’s plan for my life at a Church camp the summer following fifth grade. During Eucharistic Adoration in a dark room, with the only light being a spotlight on the Lord, I experienced within my heart the abstract God as a personal, all-loving God for the first time in my life. Prompted by a retreat leader to “Ask the Lord what He wants for your life,” I did, and immediately, a huge wave of love and acceptance rushed from the Eucharist, poured into my heart, and enveloped me. Then, the thought popped into my mind, “priest.” I wish I could say I responded with joy and obedience immediately, but I did not.

Throughout middle school, I struggled with my faith, going back and forth between a relationship with Christ and no relationship. In eighth grade, tired and ashamed of the back and forth, I told God to leave me alone. He did, but a few months later, I realized my error and begged God to help me. Immediately, I felt a sense of conviction, and within my heart, said, “I choose Christ.”

A few years later, the call came once again while on retreat. Looking at the tabernacle, I asked God what He wanted from me. Just as before, the wave of love and acceptance enveloped me and the thought “Go be My priest” came to mind. This time, I immediately responded, “If this is Your will for me, then I will do it.” Ever since, I have been falling more and more in love with God.