Saint Vincent de Paul, founder of the Congregation of the Mission, said: “The poor are our teachers.” This phrase sums up the heart of the Vincentian charism and the reason why the missionary vocation can be a path of great personal and spiritual enrichment. Entering the Congregation of the Mission as a missionary offers an extraordinary opportunity to live a life full of meaning, dedicated to the service of others and one’s own inner growth.
Here are ten reasons why a young person today would benefit from joining the Congregation of the Mission:
Joining the Congregation of the Mission offers a unique opportunity to grow spiritually through prayer, meditation, and participation in the sacraments, following the example of Saint Vincent de Paul.
The main mission of the Congregation is to serve the poor and marginalized. This allows young people to make a concrete difference in the lives of those in need, following the Vincentian charism.
The Congregation offers solid theological, pastoral, and human formation, preparing members to serve effectively as missionaries and leaders in the Church and society.
Living in community with other missionaries provides an environment of support, friendship, and mutual growth. Community life is a fundamental aspect of the Vincentian vocation.
The Congregation of the Mission operates worldwide. Young missionaries have the opportunity to work in different cultures and contexts, enriching their experience and global understanding.
In addition to spiritual formation, missionaries develop practical skills in various fields such as education, healthcare, project management, and social work.
Being a missionary means bearing witness to one’s faith in a concrete and visible way, inspiring others through the example of life and commitment to others.
Working in often challenging missionary contexts helps to develop strong adaptability and resilience, valuable qualities in all aspects of life.
Joining the Congregation of the Mission means becoming part of the great Vincentian Family, which includes various branches and lay associations, creating a vast network of support and collaboration.
For many young people, entering the Congregation represents the response to an inner call to follow Jesus Christ in a radical way, dedicating their lives to evangelization and service to others.
If you feel in your heart the desire to make a difference in the world and to live a life full of meaning, seriously consider the possibility of entering the Congregation of the Mission. The call to serve the poor and marginalized is one of the noblest you can receive, and your vocation could be the answer to the needs of many.
If you find yourself at a crossroads and are seeking to discern your vocation, we invite you to join us in a novena of prayer to ask for light and guidance from the Lord. We propose that you recite the following vocational discernment prayer every day for nine days. May it be a moment of intimacy with God to listen to His voice and let yourself be guided by His love and wisdom.
Lord God, source of all wisdom and love,
illuminate my heart and mind
as I seek to discern Your will for my life.
Grant me the grace to hear Your voice
in the silence of prayer and the needs of the world.
Guide me with Your divine light,
so that I may understand if the call to the Congregation of the Mission
is the path You have prepared for me.
Give strength and courage to my spirit,
so that I may respond with generosity and confidence.
Saint Vincent de Paul, intercede for me,
so that I may follow your example of service and love for the poor.
May I be a faithful witness of Your mercy
with all my heart, my soul, and my life.
Amen.
Girolamo Grammatico
Communication Office
