You have been instrumental in my vocation
How your gift to ShareLife helped André answer God’s call
“My name is André Luis de Lima and I am 31 years old. I come from a little town in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. “I first heard the call to the priesthood when I was a teenager, although I didn’t yet understand what it really meant.
“My father passed away a few years later after a battle with cancer. On the night after his burial, I departed on a seven-hour trip from my home to the Shrine of Aparecida, in order to see the visit of Pope Benedict XVI. After the Mass with the Pope, God gave me the grace of taking my vocation more seriously.
“God brought me to a retreat in Italy, where I gave Him my consent to go anywhere in the world. I asked to enter one of the over-100 Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminaries worldwide. My name was drawn by lottery, and I was sent to Toronto. Here I continue to experience God’s faithfulness and mercy.
Without you, I would not be able to complete my studies
“Indeed, I give thanks to God that every day He invites me to come out of the routine. And I give thanks to Him because He provides me with people – my formators, the other seminarians, and my parish community – who care for me and help me see my many blessings, the needs of others, and God’s presence in all things.
“The financial help provided by the people of God through ShareLife plays a significant part in all of this. Without ShareLife, I would not be able to complete my studies and go on in my formation. Thank you very much for being instrumental in the hands of God and His Church, so that His word could come true in my vocation.”
Photo: Fr. Andre de Lima