Experiences

Stephen Camilleri (Augustinian student) shares his experience

I would like to assert that I had never thought of taking this step in my life. Previously, I had planned my life in another way. In fact, I always wanted a job related to computer technology, such as a computer technician, a programmer, or something similar.

The first contact I had with the Augustinian fathers was when I started my secondary education at St. Augustine’s College. I attended the monthly vocational meetings on a regular basis. My aim was to make new friends, and at the same time, it served as a break from study work. Later on, when I was in Form 3, Fr. Alex, who without my knowing was all the while watching me closely, asked me if I would like to help in the planning of these meetings. At first, I was surprised because I asked myself: why did he choose me from the whole group? Nevertheless, I accepted and eventually I continued until Form 5, my last year at St. Augustine’s College. I have no regrets about my participation in these meetings. After my Ordinary level examinations, my choice of subjects turned to those which I needed for my career. At this point, I was incorrect because I was not aware of God’s plans for me. I was facing a new reality, something which had been previously hidden. I realised that during the time I was planning the vocational meetings, I was being nurtured vocationally myself. Here I encountered Fr. Franco, who was the formator at that time. After I disclosed my thoughts and feelings to him, he guided me to explore further God’s will for me. Afer finishing my 5th form, I decided to start a new live-in experience with the Augustinian Friars. I admit that I was not 100% sure of this step and was afraid, mostly because I was still fifteen years old. Thankfully, with God’s help and that of the other friars, this fear ceased in a short time, and I fitted in well in the life of the community.

After five years, I am still living this experience, and I affirm that I am thankful of the decision I had made. Maybe your question is; have you put aside all that you had planned for your future? I can answer that what I had worked for in the past is not lost; in fact, I am using it in everyday life. At the moment, during my vocational training, I am in charge of the maintenance of the computers in the priory and doing a lot of work related to the setup, continuation and up-keep of the website of the Maltese Augustinian Province and the Vocations website. I am writing all this to show that no one can anticipate God’s plan for him. He can guide you in a way you least expect. I highly encourage you to attend the monthly vocational meetings. Your participation in these meetings does not necessarily mean that you are going to become a priest. If God wants you to work closer with him, He will call you irrespective of what you are doing – whether you are young or old, whether you are a student or employed. I encourage you to keep your hearts open to God and not refuse what He asks from you. Nobody can understand the way God works, and if you are determined to do something worthwhile with your life, you can only achieve through Him because He knows you inside out.