By: Jerome Suting, C.S.C
The source of all inspiration is God Himself. The very inspiration behind our existence as human beings comes from Him the One who created this world, made it habitable, and entrusted humanity with the responsibility of caring for it. As religious, our vocation is rooted in Him, and the beautiful work we carry out is ultimately His.
In my own life, I can confidently say that the center of my vocation is God. He used my parents, siblings, and relatives to help me hear His voice, and I firmly believe that it is He who called me to move forward on this path. You may ask:
When, how, and through whom did you hear this call?
To be honest, I have never audibly heard the voice of God. His call did not come to me in a dramatic moment. Rather, through His divine plan, He used many different ways and sent various people into my life to guide me, help me discover my vocation, and walk the path He had prepared for me. First and foremost, I must mention my parents, relatives, priests, and teachers. Through their example and guidance, I came to know God and gradually grew in faith. From early childhood to the present, they have shaped me in countless ways and helped form me into the person I am today.
My mother and aunt have always been a source of deep encouragement. They are prayerful women who continue to pray fervently to this day. Their heartfelt desire was to dedicate someone from our family to the service of God. They often inspired me with their words:
Love God, dedicate your life to Him, and He will provide everything you need.
From a young age, I actively participated in daily prayers, always eager to be in the front and ready to extinguish the candles as soon as prayers ended. I come from Holy Cross Parish, where the priests would visit our village once a month. I loved being near them carrying their bags, helping translate their words into our local Khasi language, and reading the Gospel aloud. Observing them nurtured my dream: that one day, I too would be like them and serve God.
Recognizing my desire, my parents and relatives decided to send me to a boarding school, believing I would not progress much by staying in the village. So, at the age of seven, I was sent to Aliacheera Boarding School, run by the Holy Cross Fathers. There, I received my primary education and some catechism instruction from Ignatius Sir. The hostel operated with a very disciplined structure; everything followed a strict routine, including regular prayers in the morning and evening. It was during this time that the roots of my vocation began to deepen.
The priests, Brothers, and Sisters regularly visited the hostel. In class, they often asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Everyone would raise their hands and share their dreams. I too would raise mine and say, “I want to be a priest.”
From that point on, I studied with sincerity and a growing desire to connect with others. I developed strong communication skills and built many meaningful relationships. I became active in parish life, using my gifts to contribute wherever I could.
Before I finished high school, the Holy Cross Brothers visited our hostel to share their lives and introduce us to their religious society. They invited those interested in joining to reach out. At the time, I thought that one became a priest after becoming a Brother! After completing my board exams, Fr. James Clement Cruze, CSC, invited me to attend the “Come and See” program, and from there, I was selected to enter the seminary.
I entered the seminary with great hope, but due to certain circumstances, I had to return home. After two years away, I rejoined—this time with greater awareness and understanding of Holy Cross. During this period, I came to learn about the five pillars of Holy Cross. The two that touched me most deeply were the life of prayer and the life of community. I believe these two pillars are what have kept me walking with the Holy Cross community to this day.
My time in formation has helped me deeply in discerning and understanding God’s will for my life. Yet, above all, I know that everything every step, every moment has been part of God’s grand plan. He has led me here and is preparing me for the journey ahead.
I am profoundly aware that many people have inspired and guided me throughout my life and continue to do so. May God bless them with that same generous spirit, and may they always remain in my prayers.
I thank God for His constant and faithful guidance. I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, the members of the Holy Cross in both Bangladesh and East Africa, and to the Provincial Council for their unwavering support and spiritual companionship.
With joy in my heart, I move forward, standing at the threshold of a lifelong commitment. Trusting in God’s grace and the strength of the Holy Cross, I continue this journey in service to His Church.
Last modified: April 14, 2025
