World day of consecrated life highlights growing challenge of vocations

In celebration of the World Day of Consecrated Life, which takes place on February 2nd each year, the global community of Catholic faithful is coming together to acknowledge and appreciate the vital role played by religious men and women in society. However, this year’s commemoration sheds light on a pressing concern: the dearth of vocations and the declining number of individuals entering religious life.

The World Day of Consecrated Life, established by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, offers an opportunity to recognize the dedicated lives of religious brothers, sisters, and priests. They have committed themselves wholeheartedly to serving God and others by leading lives of prayer, community, and service.

Amidst the ongoing challenges facing the Catholic Church and other religious institutions, one of the most significant obstacles is the decline in vocations to consecrated life. The number of young men and women responding to the call to religious life has decreased steadily over the past decades. This downward trend poses a real concern for the future of religious orders worldwide and calls for action.

Recognizing the gravity of this challenge, various initiatives have been introduced to encourage vocations. Parishes, dioceses, and religious congregations have adopted proactive strategies to promote and foster vocations, reaching out to young people through vocation directors, retreats, discernment programs, and personal accompaniment.

Additionally, it is essential to dispel misconceptions and share the richness and fulfillment that consecrated life can bring to those who respond to the call. To address the decreasing numbers, efforts should be made to showcase the profound sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that religious life offers. Communities can open their doors, inviting young men and women to experience firsthand the spirit of communal life and the transformative power of service.

As we commemorate the World Day of Consecrated Life, let us encourage each other to support and promote vocation to consecrated life, especially in Archdiocese of Davao, recognizing the role of the religious in various collaborative apostolates: healthcare, education, prison, migrant, environment, youth, indigenous people among others. In grateful appreciation to the past religious missionaries who helped build the early Church of Davao, let us help the religious communities to rebuild their manpower for mission.

Prayer and intercession play a vital role in addressing the challenge of declining vocations. It is through heartfelt prayers that discernment is nurtured and vocations are formed. Not only during the World Day of Consecrated Life but every day, we join together in prayer, lifting up our intentions for an increase in vocations and the perseverance of those already in consecrated life.

Dear Lord,

We come before you, acknowledging our need for an outpouring of vocations to religious life. We pray for young men and women discerning their path, that they may hear your call and respond with courage and generosity.

Grant wisdom and strength to vocation directors, religious communities, and leaders in the Church, that they may continue to provide guidance and support to those discerning a vocation.

We also pray for those living out their consecrated lives, that they may find joy and fulfillment in their service to you and others. Grant them perseverance and renewed zeal as they inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Lord, bless our efforts to foster an environment where vocations flourish, and open the hearts and minds of young people to your call. May the World Day of Consecrated Life be a reminder for all to pray earnestly, discern deeply, and wholeheartedly embrace the vocation you have called them to.

We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

(Rev. Fr. Kim Lachica, S.J.)