{"id":233720,"date":"2026-09-10T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/?p=233720"},"modified":"2026-09-08T13:49:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T11:49:26","slug":"beato-familia-inspiro-vocacion-sacerdotal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fundacioncarf.org\/en\/beato-familia-inspiro-vocacion-sacerdotal\/","title":{"rendered":"Justin Joseph. My vocation, inspired by a blessed member of my own family"},"content":{"rendered":"

He is currently in his third year of the Bachelor of Theology program at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, thanks to a scholarship from the CARF Foundation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shares his story of how Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan helped him grow in faith, as well as his formative experiences\u2014from the rural life of his homeland to his studies in Calcutta and his current life at the heart of the Catholic Church.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is Justin Joseph, a seminarian from the Diocese of AtoIdukki in Kerala, India. I was born on February 25, 1998, in Kerala, into a devout family. My parents, who were deeply rooted in their faith, raised me in a devout environment that laid the foundation for my spiritual life. As a child, I served as an altar server and actively participated in parish activities, finding joy and inspiration in catechism classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inspiration of Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan in Serving the Poor: The Life of the Blessed and the Beatification Ceremony.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The life of Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan, a priest from my own family who dedicated his life to serving and advocating for the poor in Kerala, deeply moved my heart and planted the seed of my vocation. His selfless service kindled in me the desire to follow in his footsteps and serve the Church. My desire to become a priest was further awakened during the beatification of Blessed Augustine Thevarparambil in 2006.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was a good shepherd who cared deeply for his flock, devoting himself especially to helping the poor. His holy life inspired me deeply and awakened in me a desire to follow in his footsteps as a priest. As a child, I didn\u2019t fully understand what beatification was or the process involved; however, during the ceremony, hearing about his life\u2014especially the image of him as a good shepherd and his life of prayer\u2014deeply moved and inspired me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"beato
Blessed Thevarparambil Kunjachan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Growth in liturgical worship and in love for the Eucharist through active participation in Mass.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I believe that experience led me to become more actively involved in the life of the Church. I began to serve in the parish, assisting at Holy Mass as an altar server and developing a deep love for the celebration of the Eucharist. These experiences strengthened and deepened my desire to become a priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The context of the Diocese of Idukki and its rural character, between the Syro-Malabar rite and the simple yet profound faith of the people.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After completing high school in 2016, I entered the Diocese of Idukki, which is my home diocese. The Diocese of Idukki belongs to the Syro-Malabar Church and was established in 2003 to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful in this mountainous region of Kerala. Most of the region\u2019s inhabitants are farmers, whose lives are closely tied to the land and whose faith is intertwined with their daily work. They are deeply rooted in Catholic traditions and have preserved their religious heritage with a simple yet profound devotion. The diocese continues to grow and serve as a dynamic center of faith and community, despite the challenges inherent in a rural area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I began my journey at the Mar Ephrem Minor Seminary in Idukki, where I took my first steps toward the priesthood. Those two years were a time of profound formation during which I learned not only to pray, but also to live a life grounded in faith, service, and community. It was there that I discovered what it means to be a priest: the importance of selfless dedication, the beauty of brotherhood, and the values that would guide me from then on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

College years: essential for understanding the realities and concerns of today's youth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After completing this initial training, I pursued a bachelor\u2019s degree. During this time, I came to understand the struggles and aspirations of young people my age who are facing life\u2019s uncertainties. This shaped my vision of what it means to be a priest in today\u2019s world, helping me to envision a ministry that speaks to the hearts of the younger generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I then went on to study philosophy, which I completed in April 2023 in Kolkata. Living and learning alongside seminarians from all over India gave me a broader perspective on pastoral work, showing me how faith takes root in diverse communities. This experience broadened my vision of ministry, preparing me to serve with greater understanding, compassion, and openness to the many faces of God\u2019s people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To study theology in Rome, the heart of Catholicism.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a year of practical experience in my diocese, I was sent to Rome to continue my theological studies. I consider this a great blessing and a wonderful opportunity on my vocational journey. Being here in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, allows me to experience the Church more intimately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living in the city of saints and martyrs, and studying in a place so rich in history and church tradition, has been a very meaningful experience for me. Every day I have the opportunity to learn not only through my studies, but also through the people I meet, the places I visit, and the faith I encounter here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My thanks to the donors of the CARF Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be in Rome because I believe this experience is helping me grow both personally and spiritually and is preparing me more thoroughly for my future priestly ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gerardo Ferrara<\/strong>Degree in History and Political Science, specializing in the Middle East. Head of the student body at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
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