Vocations

What is a religious vocation?

A religious vocation is an interior calling from God. God inspires in the soul the desire to embrace a consecrated state of life. This interior and selfless desire to embrace religious life is an authentic divine calling because it surpasses the desires of nature. Jesus calls men of all times and places: “go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. ” (Mt 19, 21) “And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. ” (Mt 19:29 ss.)

What a vocation is Not

  • A religious vocation is not a feeling:  in reality a vocation cannot “be felt”. It is an interior certitude that is born of the grace of God that touches our soul and requests a free response. If God is calling you, the certitude within you will grow in as much as you respond with generosity.
  • It is not a refuge for those that cannot find a husband.
  • It is not for those that are afraid of facing the responsibilities of life.
  • It is not a profession nor a carrier to follow.
  • It is not a waste of time.

Perseverance in vocation

 A vocation to the religious state may be considered as the precious pearl of Scripture that we must preserve with great fervor and the utmost care.

The way to keep it: recollection and prayer. 

We must bear in mind that vocations are preserved only through prayer. One who abandons prayer will certainly abandon his vocation. It is necessary to pray, and to pray much, visit the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mary every day, receive communion frequently and meditate often about his vocation, considering how great a favor God has granted to him by calling him to Himself.

How can I get to know God’s will for me?

You should pray every day, asking God to reveal his plans about you. Don’t ask yourself “what do I want to do with my life?”  This is a wrong question! You need to think and ask: Jesus, what do you want me to do? Try to confront your own life, your desires and your fears and speak about these things with a Spiritual Director.

Contact a sister

Contact a Sister to ask personal questions about vocation or to arrange for a visit

You may write to: ssvmne.vocations@servidoras.org

Prayer for Openness to God’s Call (Pope John Paul II)

Lord Jesus, once You called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today Your sweet invitation: “Come and Follow Me.”

 Grant to young men and women the grace of responding promptly to Your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests, and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling the ideal of a life of total consecration to Your service.

Enkindle in our communities a missionary zeal. Send, Lord, workers into Your fields and do not let mankind be lost because of a lack of pastors, missionaries, and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.

 Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say “Yes” to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the divine design of salvation. Amen.

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