Print Issue: May 23, 2002

A Delegate's Reflections On The 2002 Vocations Congress

By Sister Margarita Martin, Special To The Bulletin

MONTREAL - I was invited by my Provincial (Sister Gloria Petrone, ACJ) to attend the Third Continental Congress on Vocations representing the USA Province of the Handmaids Of The Sacred Heart of Jesus as the director of vocations. (I was) accompanied by the director of formation, Sister Sagrario Nunex, ACJ. I am glad I accepted the invitation; thus I became part of the near 1,200 participants - of which 150 were young adults in discernment. The attendees came from Canada, the United States and Mexico, as well as a few representatives from the other countries of the Americas. (The congress was held April 18-22 in Montreal).

The speakers addressed the church crisis in the U.S. and the question, "Is this a time for vocation ministry?" was asked. I was touched by how the speakers concurred with a "precisely" (the time) response. The reflection given on how throughout history the Church has gone through very painful times of purification and renewal was insightful. During such times wonderful saints have emerged. This is a time to call people to radical holiness and passionate love for Jesus in total dedication in service of the kingdom. Participants were called to be instruments of revitalization in the understanding of how vital to the church the consecrated life is as well as the priesthood.

After having listened to the excellent speakers, I came back to Atlanta more fired up than ever to "invite, invite, invit,", young adults to consider God's call to a radical 'yes' out of love for the sake of the kingdom, as priest or Religious. I am looking forward to collaborate in the implementation of the pastoral plan for vocation ministry in North America. This plan will be written as the fruit of the input and work of the congress.

For those interested in reading the speakers' presentations, log on to www.vocations2002.org.

Sister Margarita Martin is a pastoral associate at St. Joseph's Church, Athens, and lives with her community in Atlanta.