My vocation is a precious gift from the Lord, even though I am unworthy of it. He has generously poured this gift into my life. When I ask myself why I was called to become a servant of the poor, the answer lies in my deep desire to follow Christ and, in particular, to imitate James Cusmano, the founder of our Congregation of Missionaries Servants of the Poor. I believe that through this calling I will be able to grow in compassion, care, and love for the poor, our masters.
It is because of this deep desire that, after completing my religious experience in the novitiate, I decided, in freedom and love, to say yes to God, so that He, with His grace, would sustain me in this commitment and in this gift of myself for the service of the Kingdom.
The occasion was January 11, 2026, during Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Sebastian Vaz, Vicar General of the Diocese of Punalur, India, in which I, Br. Rakesh, took my first vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Holy Mass was celebrated in the chapel dedicated to Blessed Francesco Spoto on the premises of Cusmano Nivas Punalur, where I made my first religious profession of temporary vows in the hands of the local superior, Fr. Thyparambil Babu Varghese, and in the presence of Fathers Lipin Thomas and Vigilraj as witnesses to my first yes to the Lord.
The brothers from the various communities, diocesan priests, sisters of the Servants of the Poor, and other nuns participated in the sacred celebration, as did my family and several friends. At the end, we shared a dinner with all of them as a way of thanking them for their presence at this very special moment for me and for the love and affection with which they have accompanied me thus far.
I ask the Lord for perseverance in my vocation and in my response, since every day of my life, the Word of God plays a fundamental role in nourishing within me this desire to belong totally to the Lord. The verse from Scripture: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62) has touched my heart deeply. This Word strengthens me and encourages me to remain steadfast in my commitment to continue as a servant of the poor.
I also pray to the Lord that it may be His love that inspires my choice, and His mercy that sustains my existence. I address my confident words to Him, saying: “I humbly ask You to guide me on this path without allowing me to stumble or fall. Guide me always according to Your will and grant me the grace to persevere faithfully in my vocation.”
Brother Rakesh T. Rajendran, s.d.P.
