Vocations

Franciscan mentors Hispanic ministers

By Alex Gaitán

Finding and embracing one’s true vocation

By Elisabeth Román

The pull of a life committed to serving the poor

For Sister Maria Campos, captivating the hearts of young women so they can say “yes” to the Lord and to Mercy often begins with a heartfelt journey that provides an unforgettable and invaluable experience to all who attend. It is an opportunity to serve and love others in need, just as Jesus served and loved.

Embarking on an interior journey

If you have a vocation toward religious life or the priesthood, you will soon begin hearing the word “formation.” Formation will become a priority in your life. But, just what is formation?

Prayer was key in asking what God really wanted

by Sister Helga Leija, C.V.I.

The idea of joining a religious congregation was something I found appealing, yet I never discussed it. During college I met a Sister of Divine Providence who impressed me with her spirit and the radical way she lived the gospel. I couldn’t help but admire her, although I never thought God would call me. God only called people who had it all together.

A call that sent a young man packing

by Elisabeth Román

When the Cuban revolution brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959, Ovidio Ortega Lemús was a devout Catholic living with his parents in the Caribbean city of Havana. With communist rule also came the persecution of the Catholic Church. It was under these stressful conditions that Ortega heard God’s calling—a call he kept secret, as his only brother had become a leader of the Communist Party.

How to live with different cultures

A Mexican religious was told when he entered his congregation that he would face cultural problems and clashes, but “the only problem we had was with the food!” he says. “We realized later, however, that we all ate rice, just in different styles.”

Questions to ask while considering a religious vocation

by Sister Verónica Méndez, R.C.D.

Considering a priestly or religious vocation may seem crazy, especially today. However, it is good to remember that this has been so from the beginning of time. I am sure people thought St. Anthony was crazy when he took off into the desert and began the way of life of a monk and hermit.

Following Mary and inspiring others

by Elisabeth Román

Marianist Brother Reinaldo Berríos had just earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico when he met a Marianist priest during a retreat that forever changed his life. Berríos was so impressed by the priest that he kept returning to visit with all the Marianists until he could no longer resist the calling to join.