November 1-7 marks National Vocations Awareness Week. According to the National Religious Vocation Conference, the week is meant to "promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations." We continue to join our prayers together for all young people discerning their vocations and God's call for their life, especially those who God calls to the religious life and priesthood!
Since the beginning of this podcast, I had the great opportunity to talk to women of all backgrounds who are living out their unique feminine genius, and this includes a number of religious sisters and consecrated women! Take a read through to listen to these conversations with wonderful women who have incredible vocation stories:
Sr. Antoniana Maria of the Sisters of Life
Sr. Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul (parts 1 and 2)
Sr. Joyce Bermejo of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters)
Erin Kinsella, a Consecrated Virgin from the Archdiocese of Toronto
Sr. John Mary of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist
Sr. Mary Sabina of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia
Along with taking a listen to these wonderful conversations with such holy women, I hope that you will continue to not only pray for vocations, but also be bold in asking God what His will for your life is! A prayer that you may consider praying is one for an increase of vocations. Below is an example of what we pray in the Archdiocese of Vancouver (my home Archdiocese!)
O God, You have chosen the Apostles to make disciples of all nations and by Baptism and Confirmation have called all of us to build up Your Holy Church. We earnestly implore You to choose from among us, Your children, many priests, brothers, and sisters who will love You with their whole heart and will gladly spend their entire lives to make You known and loved by all. Amen.