The joy of being a candidate, preparing to enter in a religious life was the theme of Fr. Sabu Chenackal’s talk. 

He said in order to be joyful first we need to have a personal touch with God through personal prayer which we would not give up even in times of trials difficulties and temptations. He also gave his own example about his personal prayer, saying that he prays one Our Father and seven Hail Marys which is very powerful for him. 

He advised us to thank God constantly in any situation rather than grumbling over the reality by mentioning it (1Cor 15:10).

Taking examples of some successful persons in the society and in the Church he mentioned that it was the virtue of humility within them that led them to become successful persons in their lives. He also mentioned about a girl who left her religious vocation due to her ego and now she regrets for it. He advised us that proud nature will never be joyful but humility will make us forever joyful person. He said that humility and simplicity can make us the happiest person. 

In order to persevere in our vocation we need to detach ourselves from our possessions such as money, talents and intellectual pursuit etc. 

Peace and joy is the sign of a good religious. A person who doesn’t have peace within her/him can make the life of another person miserable. 

He also spoke about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and stated that even though we confess our sins darkness is always following us. He spoke about evil, evil knows everything about our life, what we are going to become and our past life and with that he will disturb us discouraging us through our past weakness. He added saying that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future and through this statement he helped us to realize that in order to receive the Holy Spirit we need to repent of our sins. He reiterated that without the Holy Spirit we would not be able to live our vocation. 

We were also inspired when he said that he goes to bed with a reconciled heart without any grudge feelings. We feel greatly privileged to have attended the programme which has enlightened us and have motivated us to be a better and a happy religious in the near future. 

We also extend our special thanks to the CRI Dimapur Zone for organizing such a programme to enlighten the student candidates.

By Student candidates UFS
Assisi Convent, Dimapur