The word “Vocation” has different meanings. In a secular meaning, “Vocation” is defined as a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action. From a religious point of view, it is seen as a call of God to a person. In both definitions, it shows that “Vocation” is truly a call for an action for the benefit of the human family. This religious call is by a higher authority and it designates a mission. Fr. Justin Russolillo, the founder of the Vocationist Fathers and Sisters, began a study of vocations in the first publication of the Society of Divine Vocation, Spiritus Domini. In it, he spoke of everything as being a divine vocation: vocation to life, vocation to faith and vocation to holiness (Fr. Caputo, pg. 157). He said that every being and every status worthy of being corresponds to divine vocation. Then, he stated, in a general sense when we say ‘divine vocation,’ we mean by these words a call of God to faith and a call to holiness, and in a more particular sense, we intend vocation as a call to religious life and/or to the priesthood (Fr. Caputo, pg. 157).
Then, Fr. Justin continued saying that a vocation is not an invitation, it’s not a suggestion or an order; it is simply a calling through which the Lord attracts our attention and wants us to turn toward Him so as to better listen to Him (Fr. Caputo, pg. 161).
Certainly, God called you and me to life, faith, holiness and to a particular mission that he has designed for each of us. God does not call all of us to be priests, brothers, nuns and religious sisters. Perhaps, you are called to be a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant, an architect, a scientist, an astronaut, an engineer, a father, a mother, a blessed single, etc. God has a unique plan for each of us and we are all called to fulfill it by pursuing the path he has laid out for us. In finding our vocation and in its fulfillment, we also find real peace and happiness, because a sign of our vocation is that we are happy in it. It is the gift we give to God, and with our lives we can give honor and glory to God.
Fr. Justin said, “You have not called me specifically to life of greater spiritual activity in prayer, in penance, in good works; nor wanted to specifically separate me from the world, from my family, from my own self; instead you have specifically called me to you, to be with you, to follow you and love you, to unite myself to you and become one with you (Fr. Caputo, pg. 162).”
Following the noble example of Fr. Justin, each Vocationist Sister professes solemnly and publicly their inmost and fervent desire to give, offer, consecrate and spouse themselves exclusively to the supreme, all-knowing, all-good and loving Holy Trinity forever.
The Vocationist Sisters are called to serve God through a life of prayer and work in three fields: Parish, Schools and Missions. Whenever you feel the divine vocation in whatever ways, forms, place and time; whenever God shows you what is it that he wants you to do with your life, say “YES!”, and please follow after it. Stay on the journey for I am absolutely convinced and can assure you that you will never regret it after all.
…the Vocationist Sisters
If God calls you to serve him as a religious sister, please call or email, come or visit us. We will be delighted to help you discern your own vocation in life.
The following are our contact addresses:
If you have any general questions about us, please contact Sr. Carolyn Guyders of the Vocationist Sisters at the following email address: cgvocationist@yahoo.com.
If you have any questions about your vocation, please contact the vocation director of the Vocationist Sisters at the following email address: 88sdvvocationdirector@gmail.com.
The requirements to join the Vocationist Sisters are the following:
- Age 18-35 years old
- No Specific Educational Requirements
- Good health
- Single without any commitment
- Love to serve the Lord and his people
- Attraction to the sisterhood and willingness to live the community life
- Determination to become a saint
A Message from Blessed Justin M. Russolillo:
Regardless of your vocation, status or profession, your most important and highest calling is your vocation to holiness.Jesus tells us:“Come follow me”
“Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”
“Live on in my love”
“Live on in me as I do in you”
“What good is it to gain the whole world if in the process you lose your soul?”
God made us for Himself in His own image and likeness, to live with Him, to be with Him in this life and throughout eternity.
Our success and real, lasting happiness depends on our level of union with Him. “No more than branch can bear fruit of itself apart from the vine, can you bear fruit apart from me.”
Will you ever be a saint? God wants you to be a saint, the church and the world need you to be a saint, but only you can make it happen by accepting God’s love and cooperating with the action of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, who are with you, in you.
Make it happen. Become a saint. This is Fr. Justin’s wish and prayer for you.
This is God’s calling to you. This is the very reason of your existence.
Be a Saint!
…Blessed Justin M. Russolillo
Work Cited:
Caputo, Fr. Louis, SDV. A Servant of the Divine Vocations: Fr. Justin Russolillo. Copyright 1998. U.S.A.