Shailendra Ohariya
365 TESTIMONIES OF HOSPITALITY |
||
|
|
|
Brother |
India |
Shailendra Ohariya |
I am a member of the Indian Province. I was born in Tigriya village in the Khandwa Diocese in the state of Madhya Pradesh. In our parish my father is a catechist. He and my mother are both very spiritual people and devoted to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. Born their third child, I have two brothers and two sisters. My village lacked educational facilities so I lived away from home in hostels of the parish and the diocese to be able to attend school. From when I was in 8th grade I wanted to become a priest. However, that idea did not work out because God had other plans for me. While at high school in Khandwa I made some friends from a place called Deshgaon. Once, when I accompanied them to visit their parents, I took the opportunity to visit the dispensary of the St. John of God Brothers in Deshgaon. Their work for poor and sick people inspired me to become a Brother of St. John of God. When I talked with Brother Savio Padinjarekutte and told him about my desire to become a Brother of St. John of God he advised me to talk to my parish priest. When I did so my parish priest encouraged me to join the Order. In due course Brother Savio invited me to participate in a ‘come and see’ period. I think my vocation started with the example of my parents who showed me how to be generous with my life and hospitable towards Others.