04 May 2017
As we celebrate Vocations Sunday, Fr Con O’Connell reflects on his calling as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart:
“For me, my vocations call follows the double path of Religious Life and Ordained Priesthood within the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC). Somehow, I felt drawn to the MSC emphasis on the compassion of Jesus and His commitment to justice for the underprivileged.
Indeed, this emphasis is to be seen in Jesus the Good Shepherd. He cares for the sheep – especially the hungry, thirsty, and wounded sheep.
It is 28 years since I took my vows as a religious brother, and 24 years since I was ordained a priest. I remember lonely days, sad days, and confused days. There were times when I asked myself what on earth I was doing. However, the happy days, the exciting days, and the days when I felt that I was exactly where God wanted me to be outweigh the darker days.
Fr Con O’Connell MSC
Serving my fellow humanity as an MSC priest and brother has been a joy and a privilege. It is a cliché, but I have received more than I have given. Each year, I ask God and myself, ‘Is this still my path?’ So far, the answer each year is yes. ‘Trust in the Good Shepherd and take another step.’
Trusting means risking. Jesus teaches us that true happiness on lies the other side of our fears. I believe that when I die, I won’t regret the risks taken that ended in failure. My biggest regrets will be the risks that I did not take.”
If you want to know more about a vocation as a brother or a priest, you’re welcome to click here.
You can also call Fr Alan Neville MSC, our Vocations Director,
on (086) 785 7955.