Diocese of Mysore Holds Meeting to Strengthen Vocation Promotion

Mysore, March 8, 2026: The Diocese of Mysore convened a meeting of vocation promoters at the Catholic Centre in Mysore, bringing together priests, religious sisters and representatives of various congregations and institutions to strengthen collaboration in promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

The gathering began with registration, followed by prayer and a welcome address, as participants assembled in a spirit of faith and fraternity to reflect on their shared mission of encouraging young people to respond to God’s call.

Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Francis Serrao of Mysore invited participants to reflect deeply on the purpose of vocation promotion in the Church. He challenged vocation promoters with a searching question: whether the Church is promoting vocations for the Kingdom of God or merely managing institutions.

The bishop emphasised that vocation promotion should not be reduced to filling institutional vacancies or maintaining numbers within congregations. Instead, he said, it should help young people listen to God’s call, discern their vocation and generously dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and society. He encouraged vocation promoters to become authentic witnesses of joyful religious life and to accompany young people through prayer, patience and personal guidance.

An input session on “Vocation Promotion in the Diocese of Mysore” was presented by Edward Philip, joint secretary of the diocesan Vocation Promotion Commission. He outlined the pastoral vision guiding vocation ministry in the diocese and highlighted various initiatives undertaken by different congregations. He also stressed the need for greater collaboration among priests, religious, parishes and youth groups in fostering a culture of vocation awareness.

A panel discussion on the theme “Challenges and Pastoral Difficulties in Vocation Promotion” followed, moderated by Rathan Almeida, president of the Conference of Religious India (CRI). Panellists Edward Philip and Precilla Lobo, joint regional secretary of the Vocation Promotion Commission, shared insights from their experiences in vocation ministry.

The discussion addressed several contemporary challenges, including changing attitudes among young people, family expectations, societal pressures and the influence of modern culture. The speakers underlined the importance of personal accompaniment, sustained prayer for vocations, parish-based animation programmes and the witness of committed and joyful religious life in inspiring young people to discern their calling.

Participants later worked together to draft an annual vocation promotion plan for the diocese, outlining practical initiatives aimed at strengthening vocation awareness and supporting youth discernment in parishes, educational institutions and youth movements.

The meeting concluded with a summary of the deliberations, announcements and a closing prayer, reaffirming the Diocese of Mysore’s commitment to promoting vocations in service of the Church’s mission and the growth of the Kingdom of God.

By Fr. Arun Selva Kumar

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