The Provincial Message for the Scalabrinian Year of Vocations

April 26, 2026

In alignment with No. 7, "Consecration founded on hope," of the XVI General Chapter of the Scalabrinian Missionary Project (GCSMP), which calls for dedicating a year to vocations, the General, Regional, and Provincial Secretariats for Formation have designated April 26, 2026, to April 18, 2027, as the Year of Vocations. This period will be celebrated across all missions and formation houses within the Congregation.

Today also coincides with the Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in the Catholic Church.

Origin and purpose of our vocations

The Divine Father calls us to help build the Kingdom of God on earth by promoting justice, peace, respect, and love among all people, so that we may one day share eternal life with Him.

Jesus says He is the gate through which anyone who enters will "have life and have it to the full. " (cf. John 10: 10). We are called to holiness, to become another Christ. "By virtue of baptism, every Christian is a 'Christopher', a bearer of Christ" (cf. Catechesis, 30 January 2016).

Listen to God's call and follow him

God's love is demonstrated through self-giving, generosity, unconditional care, and a willingness to listen to his people. As followers, we are called to listen to the Good Shepherd, who calls us by name, and we should follow him because we recognized his voice (cf. John 10: 3-4).

Scalabrinian Vocation

As Scalabrinians, religious missionaries and priests, our mission is to journey with, accompany, listen to, learn from, serve, and share our faith and hope with migrants, seafarers, refugees, fishermen, and all itinerant people.

This calling is a gift from the Holy Spirit to the Catholic Church, entrusted to us through our founder, St John Baptist Scalabrini. Inspired by God, he established our Congregation under the guidance and example of St Charles Borromeo, persevering despite many challenges and hardships. This aligns with the words of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the 63 ^rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations:

"Through the light and strength of his Spirit (Jesus ' spirit), even in the midst of trials and crises, we can see our vocation grow and mature, reflecting ever more fully the beauty of the One who has called us, a beauty shaped byfidelity and trust, despite our wounds andfailures."

As Scalabrinians and followers of Jesus Christ, we should listen attentively to the needs of itinerant people, remain ready to serve, and reflect the migrant face of Christ in our actions.

A strong relationship with God strengthens our vocations.

During the Scalabrini Year for Vocations, we are called to strengthen our relationship with the Lord and bear witness to his love, especially for migrants, refugees, seafarers, fishermen, and itinerant people. To do this, we must remain in regular communication with the Lord through prayer and meditation.

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expressed these attitudes clearly in his 63 ^rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations:

"The Lord of life knows us and enlightens our hearts with his loving gaze. Indeed, every vocation begins with the awareness and experience of a God who is love (cf. I Jn 4:16). He knows us profoundly... and has envisaged for each person a unique path of holiness and service... I encourage you to cultivate your personal relationship with God through daily prayer and meditation on the Word."

Future Missions

As missionaries of hope, we trust in God's Providence to continue the missions entrusted to us and to prepare for future service. Our commitment to our charism and spirituality guides us as we discern how best to serve itinerant people. As His Holiness Pope Leo XIV stated for the 63 ^rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations:

"To know the Lord means above all learning to entrust oneself to him and to his providence, which is abundant in every vocation."

Pray for Holy Vocations

On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations and during the Scalabrini Year of Vocations, we should continue to pray for religious and diocesan vocations. Many people still do not know Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and seek spiritual fulfilment.

Many of these individuals are itinerants who face persecution, rejection, racism, abuse, exploitation, manipulation, and loneliness. They long for love and protection.

We should pray for vocations that will serve as witnesses to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. We need young men and women who embody self-denial, generosity, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother to Migrants. They should demonstrate passion and conviction in spreading the Good News, as Peter did on Pentecost, when about 3,000 people joined the Christian faith (cf. Acts 2: 14, 41).

Actively promote vocations to serve itinerant people.

Dear confreres, during this Scalabrini Year of Vocations, we are especially called to promote and animate vocations to religious and missionary life among young people who wish to become brothers and priests and to serve itinerant people.

Conclusion

I will conclude with the words of our Superior General from his message for the Scalabrinian Year of Vocations:

"We entrust this Year of Vocations to the Virgin Mary, Mother ofGod and mother ofMigrants, and to the intercession of St John Baptist Scalabrini, that they may guide the journey of the congregation and help each one to rekindle what they have received, to remain in God's love, and to live with joy their vocation in service to the Gospel and to the least of these."

Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutierrez, CS, Provincial Superior.

Logo for the Vocational Year: