I am Oman Ashraf, originally from Pakistan, and I am currently a novice with the Augustinian Order (OSA). My journey toward religious life has been one of faith, transformation, and a deep sense of calling—a path I never expected to take.
Growing up in a strong Catholic family, I never imagined becoming a priest. It was simply not something I had considered because my dream was to join the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). In fact, I had already received my joining letter for PAF, and I was ready to pursue that career. At school, I was known for being one of the most mischievous students—energetic, full of life, and always involved in extra-curricular activities. Whether it was academics, sports, or parish events, I was active in everything. But God had a different plan for me.
Scarcity
My vocation story began on a Pentecost Vigil when I heard a priest preach about the scarcity of vocations. He spoke with urgency and passion, quoting the words of Jesus:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Those words struck me like lightning. For the first time, I asked myself: “What if God is calling me? What if I am meant to be one of those labourers?”
My mission as an Augustinian is clear: to reach out to young people, strengthen their faith, and invite them to rediscover the beauty of the Church”
I did not make a hasty decision. Instead, I spent two years discerning whether I was truly being called to the priesthood. After much prayer, reflection, and guidance, I finally took the leap of faith and entered religious formation.
One of the deepest motivations for my vocation is my desire to serve young people and bring them back to the Church. In Pakistan, many Christians face forced conversions to Islam, and it breaks my heart to see our brothers and sisters losing their faith under pressure. My mission as an Augustinian is clear: to reach out to young people, strengthen their faith, and invite them to rediscover the beauty of the Church.
Formation
In 2023, I spent my pre-novitiate year in Drogheda, preparing for the next step in my formation. Then, on August 24, 2024, I officially began my novitiate in the Augustinian Priory in Galway Ireland. It has been a time of deep spiritual growth, community life, and discovering the richness of the Augustinian charism.
Religious life is not a solo journey—it is a communal search for God. While each of us comes from different backgrounds and experiences, our goal remains the same: to love and serve God. The Augustinian charism of community life has been a blessing for me, as it allows me to grow alongside my brothers, supporting and encouraging one another.
I am also actively involved in Church activities and helping children prepare for their First Holy Communion. Working with young people brings me immense joy and reinforces my call to the priesthood. God willing, I look forward to making my first profession in August this year.
Many people think religious life is easy, but in reality, it demands sacrifice, discipline, and commitment. However, I have come to realise that once we embrace these sacrifices with joy, we begin to truly love our vocation.
Novitiate
Novitiate is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a time to lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to Christ. Many who have walked this path before us cherish it as one of the most beautiful and transformative times of their lives.
I humbly ask for your prayers as I continue discerning my vocation toward the priesthood. Please know that I also keep you all in my prayers.
May God bless you!
