Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Indeed, I was greeted with a GREAT SILENCE that only suggested the DIVINE PRESENCEย the day I drove into the Benedictine Monastery in Umuoji, Anambra state. I wondered why people would ever reject the PLEASURES of this world only to be secluded in such an isolated place.
When eventually I found myself as a priest at the Holy Eucharistic Table before the Nuns and then hearing their Angelic Voices, I started contemplating the depth of the JOY of being privileged to ALWAYS sing the praises of God with the Hosts of Heaven. They have truly chosen what is the BEST! No wonder the Psalmist says: โA day in the house of the Lord is better than a thousand years elsewhere” (cf. Ps 84:10).
๐๐ผAs a young person, have you ever thought about the possibility of offering yourself ENTIRELY to God by becoming either a Priest, Monk, Rev. Brother or Sister (Nun), etc.? Would you like to always be at the PRESENCE of GOD telling him about the needs of the entire world? Do you know that it is possible that God is seriously INVITING you to such PRIVILEGED LIFE? Just give it a trial by telling God about it in your prayers. Meet your parish priest or any other Priest/Religious and also tell him/her about your intention of offering yourself to God. You may also talk to me about it. You will surely never regret it if you eventually secure this *RARE PRIVILEGE.* Remember that those who constantly behold the glory of God are equally transformed constantly, from one glory to another glory (cf. 2 Cor 3:18).
๐๐ผ To you, dearest brothers and sisters who have already offered yourselves to God either as PRIESTS or RELIGIOUS, please, always find JOY in your vocation. Do not allow the DEVIL, the WORLD and your FLESH to lure you back into the lifestyles that you had earlier abandoned in order to follow Jesus Christ. Remember that your lifestyle can either ATTRACT young persons to the vocation or vice versa. Over and above all, always care for the flock entrusted to you with sincere LOVE and DEVOTION; bearing in mind that, for Jesus, it is only CONCERN for his flock that is a proof of LOVE for Himย (cf. Jn 21:15-17).
Remain blessed๐๐ผ
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๐๐ผNOTE: Do you know that you can also visit the monastery for prayers/retreat without necessarily being a monk, nun, priest, etc?
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