Vocations Directors Gather in Rome

Fr Christopher Smith reflects on a meeting of vocations directors in Rome, including visits to English seminaries and an encounter with the Pope, and asks for prayers for those discerning a call to the priesthood.

Together with Fr Peter Wygnanski, I attended the annual meeting of the Conference of Diocesan Directors of Vocations of England and Wales, which took place in Rome from 2 to 6 November. This meeting is important for various reasons: firstly, it gives vocations teams in England and Wales the opportunity to meet up, to share good practice and to discuss common concerns. Being in Rome also gave us the opportunity to visit the two English seminaries: the English College and the Beda. It was good to meet both students and formation staff and to learn something of the daily life of a seminarian in Rome. The great advantage of being in Rome is that it gives one a sense of the universality of the Church and an appreciation of the role of the Pope, as successor of the Apostle Peter, in his mission of safeguarding the unity and faith of the Church.

On Tuesday, after Mass in the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where the chief concelebrant was Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark, we spent the rest of the day at the Beda, the seminary for late vocations. There was a very positive atmosphere under the direction of the newly appointed Rector, Canon Marcus Holden. After a tour of the seminary and lunch, we shared with Archbishop Wilson some of the challenges and opportunities for being vocations directors in the 21st century.

Wednesday was the highlight of the week, for we were able to celebrate Mass in the crypt of St Peter’s, close by the tomb of St Peter. The principal celebrant at this Mass was Cardinal Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for the Sacred Liturgy. Following Mass, we attended the papal audience in St Peter’s Square. Afterwards, we were privileged to meet briefly with the Holy Father, who thanked the vocations teams of England and Wales for the vital work which they undertake in fostering vocations.

After a quick lunch, the rest of the day was spent at the Venerable English College, the oldest English institution beyond these isles. It was originally a hostel for English pilgrims visiting Rome. In the turbulent years of the Reformation era, it was established as an English seminary by Cardinal Allen for the purpose of forming priests for the English Mission. A significant number of the former students were martyred for their faith in penal times. At the English College, as at the Beda, I was especially struck by the positive and joyful atmosphere which prevailed between students and the formation staff. This gave me solid ground for hope as we look to the future.

Finally, a brief plea. Please pray for Benjamin and Matthew, who are in formation for the priesthood, and please pray that others will hear and be open to the Lord’s call to priesthood.

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