By Joseph Younes
This Sunday, 21 April 2024, marks the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
The Catholic Church dedicates this day to all vocations and encourages people to reflect on their own vocation and discern God’s calling to them.
This day, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, holds profound significance as it marks the 61st anniversary of the initiative, originally introduced by Saint Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council in 1964.
Fr Francis Nguyen is the Rector of St Charles Seminary for the Archdiocese of Perth. Ahead of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacons Errol Lobo and Jason Yeap, he spoke to The Record about priestly vocations.
The Record: What would you say to those considering a vocation to the priesthood?
Fr Francis Nguyen: Priesthood is, as in other vocations, a beautiful and sublime gift from God and the Church; it is certainly challenging at times but deeply rewarding and fulfilling.
If you feel drawn or attracted to the sort of life, service and witness given by priests or have become aware of a repeated stirring in your heart to be one, it is so important to take time and find out what it really means for you.
There are a few steps you may find helpful to complete such a process. You may begin by talking about it to your parish priest or other priests you know personally. You can always contact the Vocations Office or St Charles Seminary.
Dedicated and friendly staff will put you in touch with those who would guide you and assist you in exploring and ascertaining your aspiration so that you would make a good and informed decision regarding your future.
The Record: How does St Charles Seminary nurture a seminarian’s spiritual life and formation?
FN: The Seminary aims to provide both a conducive environment and a praxis to the spiritual formation of the seminarians, assisting them to build a solid spiritual foundation for their future life and ministry as Diocesan priests.
We encourage a dynamic and cohesive process of integration and growth to holiness.
The inputs of daily Mass, morning and evening prayer of the Divine Office, Retreat and reflection days, Holy Hour, Lectio Divina (praying with the Scripture), Rosary, meditation, spiritual reading, spiritual direction and pastoral reflection are part of the Seminary life.
Seminarians also receive spiritual formation from some religious orders.
The Annual Enquiry Day for Vocations to the Priesthood will take place on Sunday 5 May at St Charles Seminary from 9am to 1.30 pm, including Holy Hour, Mass, morning tea, vocation stories, questions and answers and a tour. For more information, contact stcharlesseminary@perthcatholic.org.au or vocations@perthcatholic.org.au.