Chapter 4: God Called Me Again

Year: 1983

When I was sixteen, something big happened in my life. With God’s help and my elder brother’s support, I got into a school far from home—St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Tuticorin. It was a boarding school, so I had to live there, away from my family.

Everything was new—the big city, the strict rules, the daily routine, and so many new faces. At first, I felt a little scared, but also excited.

A kind Jesuit brother took care of us like a father. There were about 300 boys living there, each with their own dreams. Slowly, I made friends, ate meals with them, and got used to my new life.

But it wasn’t easy.

There were so many rules! We had to follow a strict schedule, stay quiet during study time, and always behave well. Coming from a village, I was full of energy and not used to so much discipline. It was tough.

Still, something wonderful happened—I fell in love with Science and Engineering! I was amazed by machines and how nature worked in perfect order. But there was one big problem:

Until 10th grade, I had studied everything in Tamil. Now, I had to learn difficult science words in English. It felt impossible! The words on the board looked like ghosts—I could see them, but I couldn’t understand them!

But I didn’t give up. I kept trying.

The Headmaster thought I was a quiet and serious boy. He didn’t know how much I was struggling inside. He believed I would make a good priest someday, so he called some church priests to meet me.

They came once… Then twice… And then a third time…

Each time, they told me how great it would be to serve God as a priest. I listened politely, but my heart wasn’t ready. I loved Science too much! Machines and circuits made me feel alive.

So, the third time they came, I said: “If you give me a seat in an engineering college, I’ll think about it.”

They were surprised! But they couldn’t help—the seminary didn’t offer engineering courses. That wasn’t their path. So, in a way, I said “no,” but in a polite way.

Still, they weren’t upset. They said, “You can join now, and maybe God will speak to your heart later. His work will always wait for you.”

Before leaving, they gave a letter to the Headmaster about my possible future as a priest. But deep inside, I wasn’t ready. I still had doubts, questions, and dreams I couldn’t ignore.

Now, when I look back, I understand something important: God was calling me again. This was His second call.

But again… I said no—not loudly, but by hesitating.

I didn’t know then that God’s call isn’t a rule or an order. It’s a loving invitation to do something special—something only you can do.

But first, you must know God and accept Him in your heart.

At sixteen, I didn’t understand this. I thought, “I’ll listen to God later.” But when we delay, we’re still saying no—even if we don’t mean to.

Now, I thank God for being so patient with me. He didn’t get angry or forget about me. He just waited.

Because He had a plan—and He never gave up on it.

“Understanding God’s will is a blessing. Many are called, but few are chosen.” —Matthew 22:14

The second time God called me, I didn’t listen. But He wasn’t done with me yet. He had something special planned—and He waited for the right time.

Moral of the Story: Sometimes, God speaks to us quietly. He doesn’t force us—He invites us with love. If you ever feel that small voice in your heart, don’t ignore it.

God’s plans for you are bigger and better than anything you can imagine!