From the outset, the participants embraced the spirit of the day, openly sharing their experiences and the reasons for their attendance.  Father Michael McCullagh CM, who was the keynote speaker, delivered a thoughtful and insightful presentation on discernment.

After lunch, the group visited the shrine at the gable wall before returning for a profound Conversation in the Spirit.  As participants listened to one another, several key themes emerged – chief among them, the belief that this is a good time to be a priest, offering hope to today’s generation, drawing encouragement from one another, and from those who have gone before.

Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations and chair of the day’s proceedings, highlighted Pope Leo’s intention for July, ‘Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.’

The day concluded with Mass in the parish church. All participants were encouraged to connect with their diocesan vocations directors, who will continue to journey with them on their vocation.

Bishop Cullinan concluded by saying, “Let us pray for all those discerning their vocation in life.”