Most of you have prayed for my little brother Joseph...who was away from the Faith for so many years... Well, have I got news for you! Over the past couple months, he started going to the Latin Mass with me and my family every other Sunday. Up until then, he'd been going to our novus ordo childhood parish every Sunday with my sister for about a year. Lots and lots of soul-searching, but not saying much to us. In the last few weeks, there's been a light in his eyes that I haven't seen since he was a child. A couple days ago, he told me how in love he is with the TLM. He talked excitedly of the spiritual books he's been reading...he's praying and reading the Bible... Then today he said the words I've been praying for and waiting to hear for many years. He said he knows God is calling him to the priesthood! He's known for a long time and has been fighting it, and he's still a bit afraid because giving up marriage is a huge sacrifice, so he's asking for prayers that he can answer the call. For now, he's committed to studying the Faith, deepening his prayer life, and following where God leads him. I definitely cried tears of joy tonight! My husband has always teased me, calling me crazy for telling him my brother was going to be a priest, even when he wasn't practicing his faith at all... So it was particularly exciting to tell him the news . But in all seriousness, this is one of the best days of my life. For so many years I have prayed and longed to see the light restored to Joseph's eyes. This makes how incredibly hard this past year has been seem like nothing. God is so good! Not to mention the fact that my son Will just announced to me a few days ago that he's going to be a priest. And the very next day, a boy Will doesn't know and has never spoken to before walked up to him and asked him if he's ever thought about being a priest. Will said, "Yes, I have," and the boy didn't say anything else. So first, I want to thank all of you for praying for Joseph. Especially you, Roryrory, because I know you have really cared so much about praying for him! I want to ask for continued prayers, that he will lose his fear, grow stronger and stronger in His love for God and His Will, and if that call is truly there, that he will long for it and embrace it with all his heart. Please also pray for my son Will! Thank you!
That is amazing and wonderful news!! I also ran away from my vocation as a nun, got married, and wasn't until my conversion and return as an adult that I realized it. Of course being married I was still able to join a 3rd Order.
Wow, how wonderful. A testament to the power of your prayers (and Roryrory!) for your brother, praise be to God. I'll pray for both men in your life that God protect them and Our Lady guide them in their priestly vocations. You're a real blessing to your family PF.
What wonderful news. Prayer!!!!! Prayers are heard. Prayers get answered!!! "The earnest prayer of a righteous man( sister)availeth much" Just wonderful news for your whole family. Joseph and Will----go on the prayer list! God is so good. "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news" I am just full of scripture quotes this morning but seriously--this is so joyful.
And Rory--keep those prayers going for your son too. As Francis Hogan said in a talk she gave on prayer: (paraphrasing) we prayed and prayed for this man to be converted. Nothing. For years. I went before the Lord and said--am I praying wrong? Am I not supposed to keep praying? What can I do? And the Lord told me --"I am the old woman in the parable pounding on the door of the unjust judge. You keep praying and I will keep pounding and we will wear him down." And the man did indeed undergo a profound conversion.
Wonderful story. Yes, keep praying, Roryrory! My father, whom I've been praying for just as long, has been unmovable so far. Sometimes it takes a really, really long time. But I see chess pieces being put in place. God will do it!
I am so overwhelmed with joy I don’t know what to say!! I am sure your prayers PF and all those on the forum led to This wonderful transformation. I certainly will continue praying and going to Adoration for Joseph and Will and your Dad. Please know I am also praying for others on the forum asking for prayers. Adoration is my lifeline. We need prayers here for our family too to convert . This gives me hope !!
Wow, what a glorious blessing PF! I had just finished a prayer to St. Joseph before seeing your post. The power of prayer is truly amazing. May God bless both Joseph and Will. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news.
Offering up the Mass, Rosary and Stations of the Cross this morning. You have the most terrific Faith; how could the good God pass you by on the other side. There is no doubt about it prayer requests can often require patience and perserverance.
