During the months of May and June, the Missionary Society of St Paul hosted an international gathering of vocation promoters at St Joseph Home, Santa Venera, bringing together those entrusted with promoting and accompanying vocations across the Society.
The meeting welcomed vocation promoters from Peru, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malta, together with a Peruvian religious sister who collaborates closely in vocation ministry. More than a programme of formation, the gathering became a space of encounter, prayer and mutual encouragement, strengthening the Society’s shared commitment to fostering new missionary vocations.
A central part of the meeting was the opportunity for each participant to share his own vocation story. Listening to one another’s journey of discernment, and reflecting on how each had come to embrace God’s call within the MSSP, created an atmosphere of fraternity and gratitude. Participants also spoke about the joy they continue to experience in living their vocation, while honestly discussing the realities, challenges and questions they encounter in vocation ministry today.
Throughout the programme, the promoters exchanged practical experiences and pastoral initiatives from their respective regions, exploring different ways of presenting the missionary vocation to young people and accompanying those discerning God’s call. This sharing was enriched by a series of formation sessions focusing on topics such as understanding today’s young people, communicating the beauty of the vocational journey, the dynamics of discernment and the spirituality that sustains every vocation.
The gathering also included a seminar with the vocation promoters of the Archdiocese of Malta, providing an opportunity to reflect together on the common challenges faced in encouraging new vocations within today’s social and ecclesial context. Although serving in different settings, participants recognised many shared experiences and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
During a visit to the studios of CPI Media, Fr Louis Mallia MSSP highlighted the important role that modern media continues to play in proclaiming the Gospel and in reaching young people with the invitation to consider God’s call in their lives.
Another important theme of discussion centred on the contribution of the MSSP Lay Associates, who are present across the Society’s regions. Participants reflected on the valuable role that lay collaborators already play in vocation ministry and explored new ways in which this partnership can continue to grow in the future.
Throughout their time together, participants found renewed inspiration in the words of Jesus: “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” (Matthew 9:37). These words remained at the heart of the meeting, reminding everyone that promoting vocations is ultimately an act of faith, trusting that God continues to call generous men and women to serve His people.
The Missionary Society of St Paul invites all its friends, benefactors and members of the wider Church to continue praying for vocations and for all those entrusted with this important ministry. As the Society looks to the future of its mission, it remains confident that the Lord continues to call workers into His harvest and asks each of us to accompany that call through prayer, witness and encouragement.