ASIA

Naveen Joemon Kondaparla Vijaya Raju
Author: Gerardo Ferarra,  November 2023

Meet Naveen, a young seminarian in the Archdiocese of Changanacherry, part of the Syro-Malabar Eastern Rite Catholic community in Kerala, India. He's 29 years old, hailing from a region where Christians are a minority among the predominantly Hindu population. Naveen's passion for becoming a priest ignited at an early age. As an altar boy and leader in his parish's Child Group Associate, he was deeply involved in his faith.

However, Naveen observed a shift in the practice of their faith in recent years due to governmental changes that favored Hinduism and the rise of religious fundamentalism in India. He aspires to use his theological knowledge and education to educate more people about Catholicism in his homeland, where many have limited knowledge about the faith, including the identity of the Pope. 

Naveen holds degrees in English Literature, Philosophy, and English Literature, demonstrating his commitment to learning. He also aims to leverage social media as a platform for spreading the faith to a wider audience, recognizing its vast potential. The Formation Foundation generously supports his academic journey, a gesture he greatly appreciates.

However, one pivotal incident played a significant role in cementing Naveen's dedication to serving God and his community: a life-altering accident at the age of 14. Here's Naveen's account of that day:

"I was supposed to go to school one morning, but I wanted to skip it due to a toothache. My mother insisted I go for at least a few hours. I had to take a different bus than usual, meant for much younger children. We crossed a rickety bridge, which was in poor condition. As we approached the bridge, the driver swerved to avoid a speeding auto, causing our bus to hit the bridge's fragile railing. We were on the brink of plunging into the river below when miraculously, the bus was held up by underground cables. The driver, overwhelmed by fear, fled, leaving me, the eldest onboard, to take charge. I managed to calm the terrified children, guide them to the back door, and coordinate with locals who came to our aid. We all got out safely, but the incident haunted me."

This harrowing experience compelled Naveen to reevaluate his life's purpose. He felt he was spared for a reason, and that reason involved dedicating his life to helping others. The accident played a pivotal role in his decision to pursue the priesthood.

Today, Naveen is overjoyed to study in Rome at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and reside at the Collegio Ecclesiastico Internazionale Sedes Sapientiae, a seminary with students from around the globe. He is grateful for the support he receives from The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross Foundation, which motivates him to work harder and serve his community more diligently. He promises his benefactors his prayers and deep gratitude for their unwavering generosity.

Naveen, now studying in the heart of the Catholic Church, embodies his commitment to the faith, education, and a future dedicated to priesthood. He remains steadfast in his appreciation for the support he receives and his determination to make his journey to priesthood meaningful.