"The Lord gave me brothers." – Vocation Search-In 2022

The Philippine Custody conducted its annual vocation search-in from May 29 to June 4, 2022, held at the Immaculata Friary in Novaliches, Quezon City. This annual program aims to guide and accompany young men of good faith to discern the call of God to religious life – both for brotherhood and priesthood.

Five courageous young men took part in the initial phase of joining the Conventual Franciscan family. The activities of the vocation team allowed them to prayerfully and quietly reflect on the Franciscan way of life – specifically prayer, community life, and apostolate. It was a glimpse of fraternal witnessing to the gospel life through the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi.

As a newly assigned Vocation Director, I am grateful to be a part of their initial discernment. I hope and pray that they strive to faithfully discern and heed the gift of the vocation God is offering them. It is a consolation to journey with the five of them despite the hardships brought by the pandemic. The example of St. Francis is still genuinely alive today. Like St. Francis, I rejoice for "the Lord gave me brothers."