Testimonies - Fr. Mike Traher, SFM

It was in grade 10, when I started thinking seriously about my future.

I prayed about it some times, and inside myself I found a deep sense of gratitude for what I had received in life from my family, friends, and Yes,from God. In return I wanted to help people the best way I could, especially the poor of the world. When asked in a guidance class to write down what we wanted to be in future, I wrote down 'doctor', but really I was thinking about being a priest, if God wanted me. After that, things began to happen, and rather quickly.

I was invited to continue studies at a high school seminary. By graduation, I knew I felt called to be a missionary priest, which led me to enter Scarboro Missions. Following ordination and some promotion work in Canada, I was missioned for ten exciting and challenging years on the island of Leyte, in the Philippines. There, I enjoyed lots of pastoral ministry, celebrating the sacraments with farming and fishing communities, training Christian leaders and working with youth. I learned how to walk with the people in hard times, to be part of God's compassion and care for the poor, and to celebrate life with them each day, trusting in God to provide.

Today as I look back over my 32 years in the priesthood. I realize how my life has continually been filled with amazing experiences and challenges. I especially cherish the privilege of serving God in the people of the Philippines. I still keep in touch with a number of my former parishioners and co-workers, on the island of Leyte, we have become life-time friends. Here in Canada with my job of promoting missionary vocations, I am always inspired by the searching hearts of young and sometimes older people who feel called to give their life for Jesus and his mission in the world. All have helped me greatly to grow in my own vocation.

God continues to invites others today to take up the challenge of being Good News in our world which yearns deeply for peace, for healing, for the freedom and dignity of all persons, for joy. They need to know that all peoples have a place prepared for them in the gracious heart of God. If you are hearing the call of Jesus to follow him, take the first step and answer it. I can say confidently, that being a part of the mission of Christ is worthy of a lifetime.

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