Seeking Vocations Through Our Lady

         Our faith teaches us that Mary, the Holy Mother, is always interceding for us, always guiding us to grow closer to God through the ways of her sacred son, Jesus. It is fitting when we pray, we ask the Blessed Mother to help guide those who are discerning to fully listen to and follow Gods call. Br. Sal Sammarco and I had the opportunity to do just that at a location quite appropriately named for Our Lady. We  drove to Ave Maria University from St. Philip Benizi Church in Belle Glade Florida to attend the annual Vocations Fest celebration on April 13.  This Catholic university located in sunny south Florida is a community-based school with an enrollment of 1,100 students. The admissions process brings in about 100 new students each year, but strives to maintain a more personal approach to higher education than many universities.

        The Vocation Fest helps to facilitate student intentionality in discerning a vocation to the priesthood, religious life, marriage, lay missions, or consecrated secular life.  Thirty religious and diocesan institutes attended the day to meet and greet students.  In addition, students from a local high school and some home-school students came to participate from the Ave Maria community. 

              By sharing an exhibit booth with the FMA vocation director, Sr. Theresa Lee, we kept the students engaged through conversation, carnival styled games, and faithful joy.

        Br. Sal’s friendly approach and creativity captivated audiences of all ages throughout the day.  It was enriching to witness how, like Don Bosco, he could strike up interest and conversations about life and faith through just a happy hello.    

         The Fest concluded with a barbecue, live music, testimonials, and brief talks by vocation directors and lay coordinators describing their founders, their charisms, and their ministries. For sure, the faith-based community of Ave Maria offered an environment that was essential to the promotion and nurturing of vocations.  Don Bosco once said, “Be devoted to Mary, most holy; frequently call on her. Never was it known that anyone who trustingly had recourse to her was not promptly heard.” This was feeling I left the campus of Ave Maria with has I prayed for an increase to vocations and the guidance in continuing to minister.