A Vocation Year for Everyone
Beginning on the feast of Mary?s birth in September 2004 and continuing until we celebrate her Assumption in August 2005, our Marist Institute has set aside a twelve month period to promote Church vocations, and in a special way vocations to Marcellin?s Little Brothers of Mary. Our reason for doing so has been simple: the belief that among all possible vocations that exist in our Church today, God continues to call generous young men and women to what has been known traditionally as religious life.
That fact may come as a surprise to some. For in a number of countries, talk has been that religious life appears to have been slowly dying over the last forty years. Belief has a way of shaping reality. Enter a school exam convinced that you will not do well, and chances are that you won?t. Insist that there are no vocations to religious life today, and you will find precious few.
So, part of our efforts this year are aimed at changing that way of thinking and acting. Through a variety of programs, publications, and a simple presence among young people, we are trying, once again, to let people know that living and serving others as a brother, sister, or priest is one wonderful way to spend your life.
Years ago, Marcellin summarized the vocation of a brother in a few words. ?To love God,? he said, ?And to make God known and loved; that is what a brother?s life should be.? Those words are just as true today as they were when the founder spoke them. So, if you have not done so already, please do join us this year in promoting Church vocations. The job description is quite simple: We are looking for people who are eager to love God and to make God known and loved.