‘Mama Mary’ stars in vocation search-in

PARAÑAQUE City, May 19, 2014— The theme of a vocation search-in for students and young professionals centers around the Blessed Virgin Mary and the important roles she plays in the lives of the “discerners”.

“As the perfect mother and first Christian, there is so much we can learn from her…and one of which is the value of obedience,” shared Vincent de Vera Abeja, a real estate broker from Quezon province, who took part in the search-in at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran Church), on Sunday, May 18.

“If God wills you to do something, do it. Do it like Mama Mary,” he added.

According to Edwin Dio Despabiladeras, vocation coordinator, the theme of the vocation search-in was inspired by Mary, May being the month dedicated to Our Lady.

To highlight the Blessed Virgin’s centrality to the search-in, the meeting opened with the praying of the rosary before a statue of Our Lady of Fátima, whose sacred feast the Catholic faithful celebrated May 13.

“Aside from helping you through the process of discernment, this search-in also may also function as a support group. If you have problems, whether at work, at home, etc., and you need a ready ear, feel free to come here,” Despabiladeras told the participants, who were mostly young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35.

This month’s Redemptorist vocation search-in aims to help male high school graduates, college students, and young professionals discern whether they are made for the priesthood.

The search in ended with the singing of the Marian hymn, “Stella Maris”.

The Redemptorist vocation search-in is held on the third Sunday of each month.

For inquiries, call and/or text vocation coordinator Edwin Dio Despabiladeras at (02) 832-11-51 and 0928-852-4863. (Raymond A. Sebastián)