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I am about to get married to my girlfriend, but I'm not sure if I'm still called to the priesthood: what should I do?

Frank asks:

I am a former seminarian, from the Philippines. I spent my teenage years in the seminary from high school until 2nd year theology. I first went out of the seminary after my philosophy studies. I taught in a catholic school in our diocese, at the same time pursuing my MBA. After two years I finished my MBA, and I decided again to continue my priestly formation until second year theology, until once again I decided to go on regency. Luckily my job application to go to the U.S. was approved, and I am now here in U.S. I am thinking of marrying my girlfriend. I just can feel some fear and resistance deep within me, and this bothers me much, Father. I just don't know where this is coming from. I have been praying over this for the last month, and am getting nowhere. The confusion is still there, and it remains as it was before. Father, please do help me. I have only one life to live, and I want to choose the path where I can bear much fruit. I need your guidance, and I want to be objective with my process of discernment. Thank you. I hope to hear from you soon 

Dear Frank,  

The fact that you are having misgivings about marrying may either point to a weakness you have by which you find making decisions difficult, and in that case it would have been the same weakness that was behind your leaving the seminary twice. Or it could be a real struggle of conscience, letting you see that the reasons you left the seminary may not have been sufficient, or that you may not have embraced your vocation firmly while you were there. To get an answer to this ask yourself: was your spiritual director in agreement with your leaving, or did you make the decision either against his opinion or without asking for it? What moved you to leave? Did you at the time have any intention of returning?  

At this crossroads you have to ask yourself what does God really want of you? If you are to return to the seminary it will have to be a firm decision, and you may need some extra time in the seminary before ordination to make sure your decision is really firm. And if you really think that you should not, or cannot make a decision like that, you should put all thoughts of the priesthood out of your mind. The question then will be if this is the girl you should marry or not.  

If you are honest, God will bless you.

 

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