March 2008

Well, maybe we’re not a “legend” in the Latino communities, but we’re fast becoming a favored community. God continues to bless us with men for the mission. And our seminarians and discerners continue to lead in our efforts at vocation promotion.

Guided by our Latino Discernment Committee, our men in formation, both from Oyster Bay (theologians and collegians) and Casa San Vicente (discerners) designed and led a wonderful “Come and See” retreat at the St. Peter and Paul Spirituality Center in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn. Thirteen candidates from North Carolina, New York and Philadelphia spent the weekend praying, learning and serving.

Speakers included seminarians and several of our priest-confreres, and Monseñor Alfonso Cabezas. Candidates heard talks on “Vocation in Sacred Scripture,” “Vocations in the Church,” and “The Vincentian Vocation.” They had lots of time for prayer and reflection, great camaraderie at meals. Saturday – the “full day” of the retreat that began on Friday night and concluded with Mass at St. John the Baptist on Sunday Morning – opened with an opportunity to serve day laborers in Brooklyn, and concluded with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament at night. Part of the preparation for Adoration was a wonderful “spiritual mime” prepared and performed by the young men from Casa San Vicente.

During Saturday, the men had time for private conversations with priests about their vocation and the process of becoming a priest or brother. It is so wonderful to see the faith, devotion, and zeal of these fine young men. Please continue your prayers. They’re working!

As I write this, I’ve just finished preaching the Saturday evening Mass at Immaculate Conception parish in Germantown. John Holliday, C.M., was my first invitation and my first “vocation promotion weekend” in our parish works. I’ll be moving throughout the Province from winter into spring, so pray Our Lady keeps watch over me as I travel inviting the young to follow Christ, and pray that she whispers in many a young fellow’s ear, “Do whatever Jesus tells you!”

Aidan Rooney, C.M., Vincentian