‘Taking each day as a gift from God’: 25 years of priesthood
By Josh Low
Willing service, gratitude, humility, trust and surrender are key in the priesthood, according to Claremont Parish Priest and Latin Mass Chaplain Fr Suresh Sesusion, who recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
The second eldest of a family of five children from the South-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, India, Fr Suresh was ordained to the priesthood on 26 June 1999 following theological studies in Switzerland.
He explained that the seed of his vocation to the priesthood was sown in his heart by the faith, good example and prayers of his parents.
Reflecting on the last 25 years as a priest, Fr Suresh said he is grateful to God for the all the blessings and graces he has received, adding that one of the highlights of his priestly life was his coming to Tasmania to serve.
“It has been a journey of great spiritual and personal growth,” Fr Suresh said.
“I have seen and witnessed the power of God’s grace, working through an imperfect and unworthy instrument as I am, and the power of God’s love and mercy by journeying together with the people of God and sharing in their many human and spiritual experiences,” he said.
Referencing a quote from St John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, Fr Suresh said the priesthood is ‘the love of the Heart of Jesus’.
“The priesthood cannot be considered simply as a role performed or a job that is to be carried out.
“It is a calling or a vocation that goes to the very heart of who the person is. It is not something one simply chooses to do as a career, rather it involves an invitation that one receives from the Lord.
“He is looking for willingness to serve, not my worthiness!
“Most importantly it is a gift that is given for the sake of the baptised and for the building up of the Mystical Body of Christ,” he said.
“I have always considered myself as an unfinished marble statue in the hands of God.
“God is chipping away all the unnecessary pieces continuously! I have realised that while I am human and fallible, impacted by sin, I have a particular calling and am given the grace to act in the person of Christ to enable the Christian community to be more fully united to God through the sacraments, in particular the Most Holy Eucharist.”
He also offered some words of advice for those discerning the priesthood, as well as priests at the beginning of their journey in ministry.
“God is always calling those who are willing to serve. We live in a busy, noisy and materialistic society. It is a matter of hearing God’s voice.
“Anyone who is thinking of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life should make time for personal prayer, discernment and guidance by a priest, starting at one’s parish.
“And all that I would say to young priests is to keep up your original enthusiasm, have a sense of humour and do your best every day.
“It’s all about taking each day as a gift from God with gratitude and do one’s best to love and serve God, and to bear witness to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ with humility, trust and surrender,” he concluded.