Scalabrinian Vocations Philippines

28/04/2026

BOKASYON, BUKAS SA MISYON! ✨

With a profound homily, Most Rev. Midyphil B. Billones, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro, officially opened the 29th DVP National Convention during the solemn Opening Mass at the Jaro Cathedral.

Archbishop Dodong beautifully broke open our theme, explaining the "dialogical relationship" between vocation and mission:

"Vocation naturally leads to service and mission, and mission naturally gives birth to the rise of vocations. It is a reciprocally life-giving principle in the life of our Church. That is why I would like to acknowledge all of you, our dear men and women, who are behind this precious and noble task of promoting vocations for the sake of mission."

What a grace-filled and affirming start to our journey!

28/04/2026

"PRESENCE." 💖

In his heartfelt words of gratitude, our host, Fr. Nathaniel Gentizon, Vocation Director of Jaro, thanked every single person who made this gathering possible. Everybody's hard work is not just a task but tangible signs of Christ's "presence" throughout the entire journey of preparation.

"Indeed, as He promised: I am with you always."

Here's to the next 3 more days of the convention overflowing with the grace of His presence!

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

FACILITATORS OF ENCOUNTER 🙏💙

Most Rev. Raul B. Dael, D.D., Bishop of Tandag, touched hearts and left important points for vocation promoters of today in his talk: "Journeying Together - Walking the Path of Vocation."

He shared how he would often hear vocation promoters talk so much about their congregation, their charism, their programs, but not about Jesus. He emphasized that our role is to be facilitators of encounter and witnesses of faith: to recognize, to accompany, and to help awaken what God is already doing.

After all, vocations do happen in a "personal encounter with God who meets every person in their own story, in their own wounds, in their own desires."

28/04/2026

Why does the call to vocation feel so difficult for young people today?

In his talk "Called in Communion: A call to Relationship," Bishop Jose Allan Dialogo suggested that it's a crisis of relationship.

"The challenge is not that God has stopped calling but that the noise of modern life makes it harder for His voice to be heard... The crisis of vocation today is often a crisis of relationship. Many young people know about God but don’t know God personally."

In a world full of crises, young people are asking, "Is it safe to say yes?" But Bishop Allan offered a shift in perspective: vocation is not an escape from crisis, but an entry into it with Christ. It is actually in the midst of turmoil that we discover that communion is stronger than division, hope is stronger than despair, and Christ's love is stronger than war. As he reminded us, "Pag may dinadaanan na krisis, lalong tumatatag ang bokasyon."

We discover that this is the true meaning of communion: to stand with the suffering. And this is the true meaning of vocation: to bring Christ there. 😇🙏

28/04/2026

"IF THEY DON'T SEE JOY IN US, WHY WOULD THEY JOIN US?"

This was the question posed by Most Rev. Marvyn A. Maceda, D.D., Bishop of San Jose de Antique, during his homily on Day 2 of the DVP National Convention.

He reminded our Vocation Directors and Directresses that vocations are not born from marketing strategies or recruitment campaigns, but from "contagion." Young people are moved when they encounter priests, religious men and women, who are VISIBLY IN LOVE WITH JESUS CHRIST. 🥰

"If they do not sense that Christ is enough for us, why would they believe Christ will be enough for them?"

The youth are also asking: "Is there somewhere I can offer my life that is worth EVERYTHING?" The answer to that question must be seen in our own joyful witness, Bishop Marvyn stressed.

What a profound challenge and beautiful reminder as we close the day!

28/04/2026

A Catholic archbishop told vocation leaders Monday that authentic missionary witness, not promotional campaigns alone, remains the Church’s strongest force for inspiring future priests and religious.

Click the link in the comments for the full story.

25/04/2026

SCALABRINIAN VOCATIONAL YEAR 2026-2027
“Rekindle the gift of God that is within you.”

As we begin the Scalabrinian Vocational Year 2026–2027, this logo reminds us that every vocation is a flame—kindled by the Spirit, nurtured by grace, and offered in service to migrants and the Church. Inspired by the life and mission of Saint John Baptist Scalabrini, may we courageously respond to God’s call and become bearers of hope wherever we are sent.