An overwhelming desire to work for poor has prompted several young men and women to join formation houses, with some leaving very promising careers behind them. Angel Bilung, 30, gave up a successful career with a multi-national firm and joined the Missionaries of Charity (MC) Brothers in Kolkata in West Bengal state. He was among 150 young men and women gathered in Konchowki in the eastern Indian state yesterday for a day-long annual program for people undergoing formation to become Religious. The participants spent the day sharing their vocation stories with each other. The program is aimed at inspiring young men and women in formation, said event organizer Jesuit Father Jeyaraj Veluswamy. He said it makes young people recognize the particular charism of their congregation and strengthens them in their vocation. “Living the vocation in the congregation was difficult during the first year, especially living the life of poverty, but now I am strong in my vocation to serve the poor,” Bilung told ucanews.com. Surekha D’Souza, 24, was working as a typist in Mangalore for three years when the life of the Bethany Sisters attracted her. The sisters’ life touched me and “I too had the desire to do something for the poor and underprivileged,” she said. Pradeep Surin, a seminarian at Samarpan (self-offering), minor seminary in Baruipur diocese, said he was inspired by the life of diocesan priests at the age of 12. After initial training with the Salesians, Surin, 20, joined the diocese two years ago. “Our regular visits to tuberculosis patients at Missionaries of Charity homes every Sunday strengthens me in my path toward priesthood,” he said. Related report Church Schools Need To Aim For Holistic Formation IE13159.1639