On July 22-26, 2024, a “pre-seminary” vocation course was held at the San José de Cupertino Friary in León, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The friary is a presence of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico.
The course was a “come and see” event for young men discerning a vocation, who wanted to experience the life of the friars. The aspirants got to participate in different activities that take place in the friary, such as praying in common, sharing meals, playing sports, doing work, etc., and were thus provided with the elements they needed for their discernment.
Six young men participated in this course, most of them from the state of Guanajuato, an area known to be a rich source of vocations, but like everywhere else, is currently experiencing a shortage of young men who want to give their lives to God.
The pre-seminary course was led by the Vocation Director of the Province, Friar Patricio HERNÁNDEZ HERNÁNDEZ. He was assisted by the friars who reside at the hosting friary, which is also home to friars studying philosophy. The course was conducted smoothly in a pleasant atmosphere. At the end of the course, the aspirants discussed what they perceived God was inviting them to do: to enter the friary, to extend their vocational search, or to continue no further. Two young men expressed their interest to enter the Order. In addition to the course in León, other similar courses are taking place in different houses of formation.
May the Lord always call young men to our Order who are willing to give their lives in service to others.
Friar Jorge HERNANDEZ DE LUNA
