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Finding God in Ordinary Things:
Vocations
For the 4,500 Oblate priests and brothers, God’s call was life-changing. First, He called them into the fold of religious life. Then, He called them to the congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
Here, we offer three perspectives on God’s call into religious life with the Oblates. One is from Bro. Shane Layden, a novice at the Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois; the second is from Fr. Raul Salas, Associate Director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows; and the last is from an Oblate of 47 years, Fr. David Kalert, former U.S. Provincial. These three perspectives offer insight into the unique calling to Oblate religious life.
“After my confirmation, when I began taking an interest in God and faith, I began to read the Bible more often. While reading the Gospels especially, I heard God speaking to me through the words I was reading. Then I faced the greatest challenge of my whole life; one day I was reading the parable of the rich young man and I realized that these words seemed to be directed right at me. At first, I thought I would never be able to follow Jesus as a priest because I was so attached to so many material things. And I felt so weak because I knew I was so attached (and distracted).
It was a shock to me when I realized this and I began wondering if I could some day be able to do it, but I wasn't sure how. From then on, I became more aware of God's constant presence in my life! All I had to do was focus and take the effort to open my eyes and I began to feel more and more sure that God was literally right there with me and always had been.
God is constantly calling me. Whenever I stop and listen I hear His call – no matter where I am. If I am open to Him, He leads me – it's just up to me to be prayerful and receptive – that's all!”
“I first sensed the call to the priesthood in response to a parish mission talk that made mention that for the communist nations to be converted, all the Catholics in the world would have to pray the rosary together one day. I knew that would be impossible, because even in my family that was a difficult thing to do. I also figured that just maybe these countries had never heard of God or Christ. Then I figured that the first thing to do was to preach the Gospel to them.
As an Oblate, I feel it has continued to open up my eyes and heart to see more than just a particular place or people that need to be served. However, as Oblates, our first priority is the poor and the most abandoned because there are few, if any, who would speak for them or care for them. I try to always make people aware of them and the wonderful opportunity and blessing given to us who have means to minister and serve them as best as we can.”
“I felt called to be an Oblate initially when I was still in grade school. That call was clarified in those early years of adolescence and early adulthood by more clearly seeing that I was called to be a missionary and a member of a religious community. I felt called to be part of a praying community, as well as a missionary force.
Over these past 47 years as an Oblate and 41 years as a priest, I have never been disappointed. There were challenges, of course, and life was not always perfect, but then what calling on this earth provides perfect happiness? Being a missionary brings one in contact with many people. Sharing with them is a two-way street. I feel I have received far more than I have given. While I have spent many years in administration, I had the privilege of seeing and sharing in missionary activities all over the United States and in many parts of the world.”