Vocational Discernment Journey

Being Young Today: Called to What?

The Pastorinha Sisters of Boa Vista, Roraima, wish to share the joys of the vocational work with young people that is taking place in our community. These are vocational afternoons for youth aged 14 and up—monthly, mixed-gender gatherings aimed at helping young people discover God’s plan for their lives.

The gatherings take place at our home on the last Saturday of each month, featuring themes related to vocation within the context of the liturgical season. Larissa Victoria Santos Pereira, a 19-year-old psychology student, shared a meaningful testimony:

"Participating in the gatherings at the Pastorinhas Sisters' home has been a wonderful experience for me. Beyond sharing and prayer, I have learned more about my faith and the importance of seeking God's will for my life. One of the things that impacted me most was learning more about vocations and understanding that each person has a special calling. This has helped me reflect on my future and how I can serve God and others. The gatherings have been a time of learning, growth, and great joy. I am deeply grateful for everything I am experiencing and learning on this journey."

In conjunction with preparations for the 5th Vocational Congress in Aparecida do Norte, the Vocational Animation Service of the Diocese of Roraima planned a year of activities for young people. We, the Pastorinhas Sisters, are part of this team and wish to share details about the vocational gathering held at the Pope Francis House of Charity (*Casa da Caridade Papa Francisco*) in Boa Vista. It was a beautiful occasion, rich in the sharing of life experiences, creativity, prayer, and silence.

We have observed the group growing in self-awareness and in the discovery of their vocations. Reflections shared by some of the participants highlight the beauty of providing young people with opportunities for fellowship and prayer:

"We spent an afternoon filled with interaction, sharing, knowledge, and learning. These were special moments to reflect on God's call in our lives and to understand that, whatever vocation we are called to, we are all invited to be God's voice in the world. Throughout the gathering, we were led to a deeper self-awareness and a strengthening of our faith, recognizing that God continues to call and send each of us forth on a mission." The time to serve God is today. We do not own tomorrow, but we have the present moment as an opportunity to answer the Lord's call. Let us not put off what God asks of us now; instead, let us be ready to proclaim His word and bear witness to His love everywhere".

May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, teach us to cast our nets into deeper waters and to face the work of vocation without fear or resistance; for our lives and vocations do not belong to us, but to God, and He surely cares for those He calls.

Sr. Uezineire Ribeiro, sjbp