Discernment of Vocation
By Mary Pat C., MJ

In September of 2003 Miles Jesu opened a women’s community in Bratislava, Slovakia. One of our main apostolates here is giving discernment-of-vocation seminars for young ladies. During this age of selfishness, God is calling even more young men and women to be brave, to “throw down the gauntlet” and overcome this materialistic world. Pope Paul VI stated this so well: “God’s call is for the strong. It is for those who rebel against the mediocrity and the cowardice of a comfortable life with their own personal contribution and by bearing the cross. Nowadays, the religious life calls for strength. In times past it may have been a refuge for many weak and timid souls. Today it is the workshop of souls that are strong, dependable and heroic.”

Many young people are being called to consecrate their lives to Jesus in a life of total dedication, and the salvation of many souls is depending on them. But often these young people don’t know how to listen or are unsure of the signs of a vocation.

By giving the discernment of vocation seminars we answer many questions through talks covering the scriptural basis for a vocation from the Old and New Testaments; the vocation to marriage versus the vocation to the consecrated life and the signs of having a vocation to the consecrated life; the signs of having a vocation to the consecrated life; and some of the roadblocks and temptations we face in giving our lives to God. We give our own testimonies on how we found our vocations and we speak about distinguishing between “my feelings” and what is objectively right. After the seminar, for those young ladies who want to grow in their spiritual life and to learn what God’s will is for them, we offer Ignatian retreats.

For the past two years we have given these seminars throughout central Europe. Some young men and women who have attended these seminars have given their lives to God by joining Miles Jesu. Three doctors have joined as a result of these seminars and are now working with our Epiphany Medical Missions in India, Nigeria and Ukraine. Others have joined different religious orders. Those who attend our seminars leave at the end of the day with a lot to ponder over and are better informed on how to make a good decision concerning their state in life. The following are two quotes from young ladies who have attended our seminars. These quotes are not unusual in that we receive so much positive feedback:

“What called my attention was the talk on how to recognize God’s calling to the consecrated life, and whether it is just my wish or is really God calling me. God gave me the understanding that I am really His. That’s why I am going to follow Him, Jesus, my only love.”

“It was a big encouragement for me, and I liked best your testimonies on how you followed your vocations...and I should not be afraid to take the first step... in simple words, have trust.”

From the beginning, our accommodations in Bratislava have been very modest. In our rented apartment, all we had besides our clothing was a borrowed typewriter, a desk, two plastic chairs, two mattresses and a clothes hamper that i used as a desk! As part of our rule we do not buy new furniture; either it is donated or purchased second-hand. Our superior told us to focus on getting our government registration and setting up the seminars. We were so busy with this that we had little time to check out used furniture stores and in the few that we did visit, we couldn’t afford to buy anything. After six weeks, the apartment owner realized we really were a poor group, and unknown to us, placed an ad in the newspaper asking for donations of furniture for a “new Catholic group.” A few weeks later the owner called with a list of homes for us to visit. In two afternoons we had all our furniture picked out, all “gratis.” So it’s a good example of how God provides for us when we’re obedient.

For further information about our work in Slovakia you can contact: Miles Jesu-Slovakia, attn: Mary Pat Cross, MJ, P.O. Box 267989, Chicago, IL 60626.

Close window