The Marist Family Vocation Festival 2016

The first Marist Family Vocation Festival took place on 24-25 September 2016 at Notre Dame of Kidapawan College Farm in Kidapawan City. Gathered were about 90 young people and professionals who were invited by Marist Brothers of the Schools, Marist Fathers, Marist Sisters and Marist Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.

The aim of the Vocation Festival is to help the young people and professionals discern their vocation to the Marist life or whatever way of life God is calling them to be. It was also an opportunity for the participants to know more about the Marist life.

The Vocation Festival was a combination of prayers, input and shared activities. The group had moment of prayers, adoration and celebrated a Holy Mass.  The short history and origin of the Marist project was presented. A professed Marist from each branch presented the history, spirituality, mission and formation stages of their own congregation. The professed Marists and the participants interacted through vocation forum, sharing, animated dancing and singing. At the end of the festival, the participants presented a collage and creative response of their future life.

The Marist Family Vocation Festival went well. The participants felt happy and satisfied of the experience. Many shared that the event helped them to think and pray about their choices in life. It helped them to discern what vocation they would like to have.  It gave them more knowledge and understanding about who the Marists are.
Let us help them by our prayers and encouragement so that they may listen to the voice of God calling them to follow and serve Him in religious and priestly life.

If one or two of these participants answer God’s call, what a joyful and grateful news it would be!  After all, we can only sow the seed. It is God who makes it grows in people’s hearts. Nevertheless, we continue the work of inviting young men and women to join the Marist.

We are very grateful for all the organizers of this event. We thanked all our superiors who supported this event as well. Thank you for the Marist Brothers for being the hosts. And most of all, huge thank you for the young people and professionals who came to the vocation festival.

Let us always pray with Jesus who said: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)