The priestly vocation of Ajo Joy (India) began at the age of 15. He is now a 26-year-old seminarian studying fourth year of Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra and residing in the Bidasoa International Seminar.
His mother died of cancer when he was 15 years old. The next day, Ajo entered St. Raphael's minor seminary in the diocese of Quilon (Kerala, India), taking the first step in his priestly vocation: "My mother was like a teacher and friend to me. I am convinced that I owe my vocation to her. From heaven she intercedes for me".
After his experience, sends a message to young people who lose their parents or relatives at a young ageWith love and pride I tell you that our parents are a gift from God; we should share our desires and ambitions with them. When you lose one of them, don't break down, pray for them. Be happy and think that they are supporting and loving you in the same way as when they were alive."
This seminarian from India discovered his priestly vocation at a very early age. Despite being an only child, his parents not only did not object, but actively encouraged him along the way. Born into a Catholic family belonging to the Diocese of Quilon (also known as the Diocese of Kollam), the first Catholic diocese established in India, often considered the cradle of Indian Christianity. It was erected by Pope John XXII on August 9, 1329. The diocese covers an area of 1,950 km² and has a community of approximately 239,400 faithful Catholics.
"In Kerala Catholics live in a diverse and multi-religious society. Although they constitute a minority, about 18 % of the population, Kerala is home to two churches: eastern and western. The Western Church includes the siro-malabar rite and the siro-malankar riteThe population is also very large, with a large population of Latin rite.
In Kerala, Catholics have maintained a relationship of respect and cooperation with other religions, such as Hinduism and Islam, and we also maintain a respect for the diverse cultures in the country," explains this young seminarian.
The ability to live and thrive in a multi-religious society is one of the most valuable lessons that European Catholics could learn from the Catholics of India, particularly those of Kerala, who have created a strong culture of respect and cooperation with other religions.
Ajo puts it this way: "Harmony among religions is fundamental. This could improve the life and practice of the Catholic faith in Spain by fostering coexistence and dialogue among religions. The focus on community is another crucial lesson.
In difficult times, Catholic communities in India are often close-knit and mutually supportive. Spanish Catholics can find inspiration from this solidarity and sense of belonging".
Ajo Joy is one of the young seminarians of the 21st century who is being formed to respond to the challenges of a secularized world. He believes that a The young priest of today's world faces a world in constant change and, for this reason, it is essential to strengthen his vocation by seeing God as a companion, as a friend. "The priestly vocation is friendship, and I have always seen God as a friend who has helped me a lot in my life," he tells us with a big smile.
Moreover, this young seminarian from India believes that, in addition to nourishing himself with prayer and the Eucharist, the formation of a priest The current situation also needs to strengthen its vocation in social justice, working in community projects and advocating for the human rights and dignity of all. "But the essential thing is to share the experience of God with others," concludes Ajo Joy.
Ajo is very grateful to all the benefactors of the CARF Foundation who make it possible for him to complete his theological training, his goal is to be able to train very well and return to his diocese in India to help future priests, religious men and women in India.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
