My Calling as a Priest
Transform lives with the power of kindness
Who am I ?
I am Father Rajesh, and while I may be renowned as a social worker and advocate, I find contentment in being known as a simple religious priest belonging to MCBS. My journey to the priesthood began later in life, at the age of 30. Before that, I was engaged in various business endeavors and actively participated in the Jesus Youth ministry, which allowed me to connect with street children and those abandoned in colonies.
At the age of 25, as I immersed myself in these ministries, a dream began to bud: becoming a priest of Christ. This calling was affirmed during a retreat at the NRC retreat center at Kulathuvayal. The insights gained from that retreat, coupled with the divine experiences throughout my life journey, brought me closer to the path of a concentrated life in service to God.
What Bible Says
Bible 1 John 3:16 speaks of knowing love through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and priesthood, to me, is a call to imitate this victimhood of Christ. Following in Jesus’ footsteps, I endeavor to offer my simple life as an oblation, dedicating my time and everything I have to those who are mentally ill and destitute.
The words of 1 John 4:8 in the Holy Bible resonate with me deeply: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I believe that since the essence of God is love, my calling is to love everyone as I love my God. This faith-driven theology finds its action in Matthew 25:40, which testify that whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for Him.
Shepherding the Abandoned - My Life's Vision as a Priest
My dream is to provide shelter, care, and support to the lonely souls abandoned on the streets without family or community. To fulfill this mission, I have been working to establish charitable shelters and homes that give these vulnerable people the dignity they deserve. My dream is to set up a network of such shelters nationwide that provide food, medical care, and comfort to those in need.
Following the model of Christ’s sacrifice and investing one’s life in the service of humanity is the noblest calling. Through small acts of love and compassion, I strive to make the world kinder, one person at a time. This alone brings lasting contentment.
Transform lives with the power of kindness
My Congregation
As a priest belonging to the MCBS congregation, my vocation is deeply rooted in compassion and service to the marginalized in the society. My congregation has established a charitable shelter called ‘Anbu Illam’, where I serve as the director to fulfill this mission of caring for people without homes and shelter. This shelter home provides food, medical care, and comfort to destitute people abandoned on the streets without support.
Together we can provide hope and dignity to the neglected – get involved.