In a moving celebration of faith and purpose, this year’s Claretian Vocation Day, celebrated on May 31, 2025, brought together young hearts and devoted servants under the inspiring theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Responding to God’s Call”.
Held in a spirit of unity and reflection, the event served as a beacon for those discerning their life’s path, encouraging everyone to listen more deeply to God’s gentle yet powerful invitation to serve. The event concluded with a powerful challenge to everyone present: to reflect, listen, and respond. Whether called to the priesthood, religious life, or lay mission, the essence of vocation remains the same: to become pilgrims of hope, journeying with God and for God.
The gathering in different parts of the Philippines featured heartfelt sharing from the Claretian Missionaries who have answered the call in their unique way, each story a testimony to God’s grace and the beauty of responding with a generous “Yes”: Rev. Nguyen Trong Quan, CMF, to the Claretian Youth in the North (CYM North) who gathered at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City; Fr. Ho Sy Nam, CMF, to the youth of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish in Guilinan; Fr. Ven John Poras, CMF in San Roque Parish in Tungawan, Fr. Jo Stephen Cagaanan, CMF in Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Maluso, Basilan, and Fr. Dante Boringot, CMF, and the RMI Sisters in San Antonio Ma. Claret Parish in Zamboanga City.
My personal takeaway is “Take courage. Do not be afraid. God is calling you by name. Be a Pilgrim of Hope in your own way journey.” Vocation is not just about becoming a Priest or a Sister. It’s about responding to God’s call, whenever He may lead you. Whether in Religious Life, Married Life, or Single Blessedness, each of us is called to be a Pilgrim of Hope.
By Maria Isabel Dalisay
Claretian Vocation Day
Claretian Vocation Day, a day of prayer and reflection within the Claretian Missionaries, is celebrated on May 31st each year. It is a time to celebrate the gift of the Claretian vocation and to renew one’s commitment to living a life in mission, inspired by the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This day also serves as an opportunity for the community to pray for vocations and to accompany young people in their discernment of God’s call.
