From India to the USA the Joyful Fr. Praveen Lakkisett

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From India to Texas: The Joyful Journey of Fr. Praveen

When you meet Fr. Praveen, his joy is contagious. His story, which spans continents and cultures, is one of resilience, trust, and a deep love for his calling as a diocesan priest. From his roots in India to his ministry in San Antonio, Texas, Fr. Praveen embodies the joy of the Gospel and the spirit of service.

Early Life in India: Faith in the Thomistic Tradition

Fr. Praveen grew up in Hyderabad, India, a bustling city with over 11 million people. India is home to a small but vibrant Catholic population—just 3% of the country's 1.5 billion people—but its roots run deep. “Our faith traces back to St. Thomas the Apostle,” Fr. Praveen shared. “St. Thomas brought Christianity to India, and to this day, his tomb in Chennai is a testament to that enduring faith.”

Raised in Catholic boarding schools run by nuns, priests, and brothers, Fr. Praveen was immersed in prayer, discipline, and the Sacraments from an early age. His first inspiration came from his mother, whose nightly Scripture reading planted seeds of faith. “She would sit, cover her head with her sari, and read the Bible,” he recalls. “That image stayed with me.”

The Call to Priesthood

While in school, Fr. Praveen felt a pull toward priesthood, inspired by the Italian missionaries who served his community. At just 13, he joined the Salesians of Don Bosco, a religious order known for its work with youth.

“My heart was always drawn to the parish,” Fr. Praveen said. After years of formation, he discerned a deeper calling to diocesan priesthood. “It was like a call within a call. Don Bosco himself was a diocesan priest, so I followed in his footsteps.”

His path to the Archdiocese of San Antonio began through connections with other priests and a leap of faith. “God placed people on my path who guided me,” he says. “The trust I had in their advice and in God’s plan made all the difference.”

Life as a Priest in San Antonio

Now serving as a diocesan priest, Fr. Praveen embraces his vocation with enthusiasm. His days are filled with Mass, school teaching, hospital visits, and confessions. “Confessions are my favorite,” he says with a smile. “It’s a profound joy to witness God’s mercy at work.”

Fr. Praveen also takes self-care seriously. “We need sound bodies for sound minds,” he says. His routine includes running, healthy meals, and personal prayer, including daily visits to the Eucharist.

Lessons from Don Bosco

Fr. Praveen carries the spirit of St. John Bosco in his ministry. “Don Bosco believed in bringing young people to God through joy,” he says. “He didn’t see them as problems but as opportunities to show God’s love.”

For anyone struggling with faith or purpose, Fr. Praveen offers simple yet profound advice: “Be silent and listen. The words ‘silent’ and ‘listen’ are made from the same letters. Spend time in adoration, listen to God, and He will show you the way.”

The Joy of Priesthood

When asked what he loves most about being a priest, Fr. Praveen beams. “Priesthood is joy. If you want to be joyful, become a priest. Period.”

His advice to those discerning their vocation? “Say yes. God takes care of the rest.”

Pray with Fr. Praveen

Fr. Praveen’s prayer reflects his trust in God:

“Lord, may I always listen to You in the silence of my heart. Give me the courage to say yes to Your will and to live in the joy of Your love.”

Discover More

Want to hear more stories of priests living their vocations with joy? Check out Life of a Priest on Tabella for inspiring conversations and insights.

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