Greetings from our Vocation Director

Jesus Christ told his disciples “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (Jn 15:16). The saintly lives of St. Padre Pio, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Thérèse of Lisieux are more than enough to prove that vocation to religious life bears “fruit that will last.” According to Pope Francis, “Your vocation inspires you to bring out the best in yourself for the glory of God and the good of others. It is not simply a matter of doing things, but of doing them with meaning and direction” (Christus Vivit, 257).

To discern a vocation, it is essential that one listens to the voice of God who speaks to them in their heart. St. Francis of Assisi was attentive to the voice of God speaking to him in his heart. He heard God’s voice asking him the question “Francis, is it better to serve the Master or the servant?” Later, at the ruined Church of San Damiano, Jesus spoke to Francis from the crucifix, “Francis, go now and repair my church which, as you see, is falling down.” It is the same Jesus who chose St. Francis to repair his Church that continues to choose new disciples to repair the Church in our days by following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.

Our Capuchin Franciscan way of life is centred on the Gospel. It is a life-long journey to live according to Jesus’ supreme command: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matt 22:37-39). It is an exciting and challenging journey to follow Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis. This life gives you an opportunity to use your skills and creativity to live the radical Gospel values in the 21^st century Ireland. As Capuchin Friars we serve God and the people around us through our various ministries such as the Capuchin Day centre in Dublin; by ministering as chaplains in schools, hospitals and hospices; as priests in parishes ministering Sacraments to God’s people and by being available to people, listening to them and praying with them.

St. Francis’ vocation to follow the poor, crucified Jesus Christ became clearer to him only through his further encounters with God and the people around him, especially the poor and the lepers. Like St. Francis, most people who hear the voice of God to follow him as a consecrated religious obtain clarity about their call through encounters with God, religious communities, and the people around them. If you believe God is calling you to be a Capuchin Franciscan, to live a life of prayer, brotherhood and minority; then as Vocation Director I would be more than happy to accompany you in your vocation discernment.

God taught St. Francis to do what was His will for him and, may God teach us to do what is His will for us.

Pax et Bonum!

Br Antony