By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy

Panaji, Jun 11, 2022: Father Johns George Manjapillil knows what it is to be chased by the Hound of Heaven. It took years of studies and sojourns in foreign countries before the youngest of three children could realize his childhood dream of becoming a priest.

The 39-year-old was ordained a priest in January this year in the congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco.

He shares with Matters India about his journey to priesthood.

Please tell us why you chose to be a priest?

I had a desire to become a priest as a child. But it changed after I became a teenager. I was not very pious, attended Mass only on Sunday and Monday. On Monday I had to serve the Mass. I felt devastated when my elder sister with whom I was very much attached joined a convent. I went to our prayer room and cried. Suddenly I was inspired to open the Bible. I saw the passage, “Wherever you go I will be with you.” It was consoling and strengthening.

When I was in class ten, all students went for counseling. The counselor suggested that I go for daily Mass. He also suggested that I consecrate myself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and pray Psalm 91 for protection, and read Wisdom 9 for Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom. I started going for daily Mass. Somehow without my knowledge Jesus was drawing me closer to him. Gradually I developed a personal relationship with him. Going for Mass was no more botheration for me. I told the Lord to give me 550 out of 600 marks in the matriculation exam. My neighbors and friends asked me not to waste time attending Mass as the morning hours are good for studies. They said I attend Mass after the exams.

Did you stop going to Mass? Did the Lord remember your request for the exam?

No, I did not stop attending Mass. When the results came I had scored 555 marks. God gave me five extra marks. This is my experience of God.

Then?

The good marks got me admission in a center that prepares students for competitive exam. I also had to attend my twelfth grade exam. It was a heavy schedule. Our hostel rooms had a glass window at the centre, so the director could see us studying. The director used to give us some spiritual thoughts. He told us to greet the Lord each morning. “Good morning, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Since then, I began to pray every morning. I also began to talk with the Holy Spirit.

We had permission to go home only once a month. One day I was praying before starting the journey home. I heard a voice asking, “Would you stay half an hour more with me.” It was strange. I heard it again, so I prayed half an hour more. I then took a bus to Thodupuza, my home town. On the way I saw the bus that had gone ahead had met with an accident. It was another proof of God’s constant protection over me.

One day while returning from the church I heard, “Will you forsake all these for my sake?” I did not understand what he meant by “all these.” I said I can. That was the first instant of my call to priesthood, I must say.

What did you do after the coaching?

I got good ranks in the entrance exams and joined for Electronics and Communication in Rajgiri Engineering College, [Kalamassery near Kochi]. There I was introduced to Jesus Youth group. The life with the members of Jesus Youth in the hostel helped me stay close to Jesus.

The Jesus Youth team made me a coordinator. That meant I had to speak to the group about Jesus every week. I felt that my life had to be based on the values of Jesus. So, I declined to join friends for entertainment. During those four college years my life in Jesus grew deep.

During my second year I went with six Jesus Youth for a retreat to Kulathuvayal [in Kozhikode district]. It was my first retreat. So, I told Jesus, I would obey all what the priest says, but you must tell me if you are pleased with me.

At the end of the retreat the priest gave us each a Bible verse and said, “This is what Jesus wants to tell you.” My verse was “You are my son, in whom I am well pleased “(Mark 1: 11). What better answer could I have got for my prayer? God knows our secret wishes and grants them.

Then?

Campus selection process started in the third year. I attended nine interviews but was out in the first round. I thought Jesus was not listening to my prayer. Although I told others that the best company for me has not come, I was sad within. As Jesus Youth coordinator I had to set an example of hope.

Three of us were selected at the tenth interview, by a Chinese firm. The company offered us a good package. I was so sure that Jesus had kept this Chinese company for me. The company operated from two floors of a five-star hotel in Bangalore.

After a year in Bangalore, the company sent us to China. We were promised the salary in China, besides what we got in India. I worked in China for two years, and returned to Bangalore as I wanted to go for higher studies.

How was the life in China?

We enjoyed going out to different places. But in the heart of heart I was not happy. I missed the life in Jesus Youth. I was getting a lot of money, but not happiness. So, I decided to go for higher studies in the Kalamassery college. This would help me be a part of the Jesus Youth. So I returned to India but continued to work in the same company. After three years, I got admission for Master of Science in computer in the University of Bonn, Germany.

When did the desire to become a priest return?

On June 19, 2009, the Year of the Priests. I had resigned my job and was preparing to go to Germany. A homily at a Mass touched me deeply. I felt Jesus was calling me to be a priest. I had my doubts since the st have been a transient feeling because the homily was based on the Year of the Priests. So I decided to wait for more signs from Jesus. Then I left for Germany.

Then?

I continued my inner conversation with Jesus. I asked him to make me understand that it was his desire that I become a priest for him. I told Jesus those that only holy people become his priests. As each day passed, I felt I must give a gift to Jesus – my life. Then during Dec 25 to 31, 2009, I experienced Jesus calling me again. I asked Jesus to show me a Bible verse that directly tells me to become a priest.

He told me to read the entire chapter of 61 of Isaiah. I found my assurance in verse 6: “But you shall be called priest of the Lord. You shall be named ministers of our God.”

I was very happy and decided to join the seminary. The superiors told me to complete my studies. When I told my parents, they too told me to complete the studies. I had to pay up the study loan too.

How was your stay in Germany?

The course was in four semesters. My plan was to work and study. However, during the first semester I decided to focus on study. In the second semester I looked for part-time job but did not get any. The Lord works wonders. After some time, I got a fulltime job in the university. We are not allowed to work full time with a student visa. But the director of my studies and the director of the university were the same person. He helped me get the necessary clearance to do my project. I expected to get at least Euro 400 as remuneration. God amazed me with a payment of 2,400 euro. After my studies, I worked six months more to clear all loans. The university was happy with me and offered me a permanent job. I declined it since I had decided to join the seminary.

Why did you join the Salesians?

During the time of my discernment I saw a film on Don Bosco. I felt that was the same mission I wanted to do. So, I contacted the Salesians in Manipur. They told me to complete my studies. I joined them in 2012.

What would you like to tell the youth of today?

I like tell them what Pope John Paul II said to the Youth; “Do not be afraid. For you are not alone. God is with you.” We find difficulty in life because we forget who is with us. Jesus is with us. Jesus is more interested in us than ourselves. It will help when we think in that line. I used to think how I will do thesis in Germany. But Jesus helped me. Before doing anything we should tell Jesus, “Jesus I am not sure I will do it well, on my own. We shall do it together. Please sit me.” I was stuck in certain moments during my studies. This prayer got me out of all those situations. Somehow God will clear all our difficulties either through people or events. We often forget to ask Jesus. We feel it is childish. But it is not. God sees our heart. Ask Jesus sincerely.