Thanh Hoa Diocese: 2026 Day of Consecrated Vocations Theme: “Walking with Jesus” (Lk 24:15)

(NSGH) On April 26, 2026—Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday—the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Thanh Hóa joyfully organized the 2026 Day of Consecrated Vocations under the inspiring theme “Walking with Jesus” (Lk 24:15). Over time, this annual event has become a meaningful and fraternal gathering where young people meet and interact with priests, seminarians, and religious men and women from various congregations and seminaries.

This year’s event welcomed the Saint Paul Lê Bảo Tịnh Major Seminary and ten male and female religious congregations from different regions, along with more than 3,000 young people and children who gathered at the Thanh Hóa Bishop’s House. The program featured a wide range of activities. In the morning, participants listened to presentations on vocations given by priests, seminarians, and religious sisters, beginning with the opening topic: “How can one recognize God’s call?” In the afternoon, they entered into Eucharistic Adoration, received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, met personally with different congregations, and participated devoutly in a Thanksgiving Mass.

Journeying Together

From early morning (6:00 a.m.), groups of priests, seminarians, religious sisters in their distinctive habits, along with young people and children from various parishes and outstations, gathered at the Bishop’s House, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Booths representing the seminary and religious institutes were attractively decorated, welcoming visitors to explore, learn, and take commemorative photos.

Participating in the 2026 Vocations Day were Saint Paul Lê Bảo Tịnh Seminary; the Dominican Order of Bùi Chu; the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Thanh Hóa; the Society of Jesus (Jesuits); the Daughters of Our Lady of the Rosary of Bùi Chu; the Handmaids of the Merciful Jesus; the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul; Our Lady of Calvary Congregation; the Franciscan Order; and the Pastoral Assistants of the Sick. Young participants had the opportunity to visit designated areas arranged by the organizers to discover the charisms and spiritualities of each congregation. Each encounter and exchange left lasting impressions and, for some, may have sown the first seeds of a vocation.

Walking with Jesus

At 7:45 a.m., the opening ceremony began in a lively yet reverent spirit with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by introductions of the seminary and participating congregations. The opening address was delivered by Fr. Francis Xavier Nguyễn Xuân Quang, Head of the Diocesan Vocations Office, accompanied by vibrant performances that ignited enthusiasm for the day’s theme: “Walking with Jesus” (Lk 24:15).

At 8:30 a.m., Fr. Paul Lê Tiến Nhất, Spiritual Director of the Major Seminary, opened the vocation presentations with a talk entitled “How can one recognize God’s call?” His reflection touched the deep concerns of young people, emphasizing that a vocation is not something distant, but a gentle call within the heart. Participants were encouraged to listen to themselves, recognize their deepest desires, and dare to walk with the Lord each day through prayer, commitment, and service.

This was followed by vocation presentations from the seminary and various religious institutes. Each congregation offered engaging and joyful performances, all centered on Christ as the ultimate goal and inviting young people to respond generously to His call.

Walking Together with Jesus

At 2:00 p.m., participants gathered for Eucharistic Adoration, entering into a moment of interior recollection to be present before the Lord and listen to His call, thereby discerning their path in life. They also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., young people entered a special time of personal encounters with individual congregations. In an atmosphere of closeness and openness, they engaged directly with priests, seminarians, and religious, sharing and listening to one another.

In this space, sincere conversations unfolded about dreams, aspirations, and the very real questions of youth. Barriers faded, hesitation gave way to openness, and each participant was free to ask questions and explore their journey. In such moments, the call to vocation became clearer—no longer distant, but a personal and living invitation from God.

The highlight of the day was the Thanksgiving Mass at 4:00 p.m., presided over by Vicar General Fr. Michael Trịnh Ngọc Tứ, together with the deans and concelebrating priests. In the solemn and prayerful atmosphere of Good Shepherd Sunday, the faithful were led into the depth of the Gospel: “I am the gate for the sheep.”

In his homily, the celebrant invited everyone—especially the young—to recognize that Jesus Himself is the only gate leading to true life. To enter the sheepfold, there is no other way but through Him. In a world often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of power and prestige, young people are called to courageously choose “the gate of Christ”—a path that demands sacrifice yet leads to authentic joy and fulfillment.

At the conclusion of the Mass, a young representative, speaking on behalf of more than 3,000 participants, expressed gratitude to God and heartfelt thanks to the Bishop, the Vicar General, the deans, the diocesan Vocations Office, the concelebrating priests, deacons, seminarians, religious, candidates, and the organizing team for their dedication in making the day a grace-filled and joyful experience.

As the 2026 Day of Consecrated Vocations came to a close, each young person returned home carrying in their heart a sense of joy, a light of hope, and perhaps a personal invitation that God had gently planted within them. All was offered in thanksgiving: gratitude to God for a day of grace, appreciation to priests, seminarians, and religious for their generous accompaniment, and thanks to each young participant for their courage to come, to listen, and to open their hearts.

The Vocations Day has ended, but the journey of vocation begins. From here, young people are invited to continue “walking with Jesus” in daily life, through small yet meaningful choices. May the Good Shepherd always guide and sustain them, so that each may have the courage to pass through “the gate of Christ,” live their vocation fully, and become witnesses of His love in today’s world.

 

Source: Diocese of Thanh Hoa ( giaophanthanhhoa.net )