Parish Priest of the St. Bakhita Catholic Church, Lashibi in the Archdiocese of Accra, Rev. Fr. Hillary Agbenosi has emphasized the crucial role Priests play in fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Drawing from his personal experience and observations, he underscored the significance of inspiring others through one’s own life and ministry.
In an address read on his behalf at the 44th Annual General Meeting of Catholic Vocations Directors in Ghana, Fr. Agbenosi reflected on the profound impact now Bishop Louis and Bishop Asare had on his own calling to serve God.
He emphasized that the call to religious life often begins with exposure to the dedication and service of others in the Church community.
“I have considered it a “personal problem” if my life and work does not attract anyone around me to join the
priesthood or religious life (though obviously it is God who initiates the process), He said.
The priest stressed the importance of a synodal approach to vocation promotion, wherein all members of the Church actively participate in fostering vocations.
“Even as a young boy, my parents supported me, my siblings encouraged me, my friends cheered me on, and my ministry at church (serving Mass) propelled my desire because it brought me in close contact with others who were living the vocation. My catechist, schoolteachers, Sunday school teachers and many others nurtured my vocations,” Fr. Agbenosi added.
Fr. Agbenosi challenged the notion that nurturing vocations begins solely when an individual expresses explicit interest in religious life. He argued that the process begins much earlier, with the subtle yet impactful interactions within the faith community. From family support to the guidance of catechists and teachers, he emphasized the cumulative effect of these influences on shaping vocational discernment.
“We are too myopic and miss a great deal if we think that nurturing vocations begins when an aspirant approaches his or her pastor to express the desire to join some religious life or go to the seminary,” He opined.
