Not only pray, seek
A vocation does not arise from nothing
Sometimes it seems that vocations — to the priesthood, to marriage, or to consecrated life — arise from nothing, as if God called in secret without anyone else being involved.
But that is not the case: God calls through concrete faces, through living communities, through people who truly care.
Therefore, it is not enough to pray for vocations. You must seek them.
Pray yes… but with open eyes
Jesus said it clearly: “The harvest is abundant and the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38).
That prayer is not passive or theoretical. It is a call to become collaborators of God ourselves, to help others discover their path.
Praying for vocations means looking around: at the young people in your parish, at your friends, at those who serve with joy, at those who listen with patience, at those who live the faith coherently.
When you see someone like that, do not stay silent. It may be time to ask, with simplicity and confidence:
"> “Have you ever thought that God might be calling you to something more?”
Sometimes a question like that, asked by a priest, a catechist, or a believing friend, can awaken a sleeping vocation.
Each one seeks the holiness of the other
Vocation is not a private matter. We are all responsible for the holiness of others.
A layperson who encourages, a mother who prays, a priest who proposes, a community that accompanies… all take part in the birth of new vocations.
The world needs good husbands, good priests, good consecrated women. And that begins when someone dares to look with faith at another’s qualities:
"> “He would be a devoted father.”
“She could be a great sister.”
“He has the soul of a shepherd.”
It is not about labeling, but about recognizing God’s action in people and helping them discern it.
Point, accompany, pray
Look attentively. Write in your heart the names of those who convey joy, hope, service.
Accompany them with your friendship, with your prayer, with your example.
And pray each day:
"> “Lord, help each person discover their path, and help us accompany one another in discernment.”
A vocation born in community
No vocation flourishes alone. It arises in a community that prays, that listens, that walks united.
Synodality — that walking together — is not just a pastoral method: it is the very way God calls.
Every vocation, every story, is the fruit of a people who accompany, propose, and sustain.