‘Jesus and Mary will guide you.’

Nov. 1, 2022

By Father Raney Johnson, Diocese of Shreveport

Nov. 1, 2022

My serious discernment of the priesthood began with my discovery of St. John Bosco when I was 16. I received a lecture about his life from a vocation director for the Salesians — the religious order he founded — and the more I learned, the more I wanted to become a priest. I was inspired by the way St. John Bosco allowed God to work in his life and his work to help those most in need.

I discerned with the Salesians during high school, and though I ultimately decided not to join the order, I never stopped thinking about becoming a priest. After my sophomore year at Louisiana Tech University, I again felt God calling me; however, this time I realized that God was calling me to the diocesan priesthood. Once I graduated, I entered seminary.

To anyone else discerning the priesthood, I offer the same advice I received from the vocation director for the Salesians: Stay close to Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Mother. Jesus and Mary will guide you.

Father Raney Johnson
Diocese of Shreveport
Santo Niño Council 16094
Shreveport, La.

Father Christopher Murphy, Diocese of Providence.

‘Jesus and Mary will guide you.’

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