Vocations Retreat 2024 for Mission Tradition
Introduction to the Vocations Retreat
The Feast of St. John the Baptist marked the start of our annual vocations retreat for Latin American men discerning their path with the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter. This year, 11 men retreated to the outskirts of Guadalajara to deepen their intimacy with Our Lord.
Opening Mass and Silence
From the opening Mass on Monday evening, celebrated by Fr. Matthew Vierno, FSSP, a profound silence enveloped the retreat house for the entire week. The daily schedule included the singing of four canonical hours of the Divine Office, a holy hour with solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and benediction.
Contemplative Prayer and Priestly Talks
The men engaged in contemplative prayer within the chapel and the lush gardens of the former monastery. After priestly talks on various aspects of consecrated life—such as Priestly Spirituality of the Mass, Saint Thomas and the Intellectual Life, and Celibacy: Intimacy with Christ—they found solace and depth in their reflective practices.
Penultimate Day Activities
On the penultimate day, the silence was lifted for written and verbal English exams, a lighter talk by seminarians about life at the seminary, and a friendly fútbol match. These activities fostered camaraderie and allowed the candidates to bond outside their interviews.
Our Participants and Final Thoughts
Of the retreatants, five are active parishioners at our apostolate, while the others hail from different parts of Mexico. All are Mexican nationals. Please keep these men and future Latin American vocations in your prayers, asking that they be moved to give their all to God, honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and glorifying Christ the King.
