May 26. Vocations.  SEE.   When Sibusiso decided to study for the priesthood his parents felt very proud that there could be a priest in their family, as they had been practising their faith at home. However when it was explained to them that as a member of a religious congregation even though he was the oldest son he would not be able to give his family financial support, they were quite shocked and spoke to him about that.  But they accepted when he shared how important it was for him to answer God’s calling. 

JUDGE. Reflect, share. Scripture.  I say to you there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel  who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10: 28-31.   Pope Francis:  Family bonds are essential for reinforcing healthy self-esteem. It is important for families to be part of the seminary process and priestly life, since they help to reaffirm these and keep them well grounded in reality. AL 203.   Pope Leo in Equatorial Guinea 22 April 2026 Meeting with Youth and Families. “Francisco Martin spoke from the perspective of a vocation to the priesthood. He has given us a glimpse into the beautiful reality of so many young people who give themselves totally to God for the salvation of their brothers and sisters. He did not hide how difficult it was for him to find the courage to say “yes,” his fiat, “yes Lord;” yet through his words, we can all understand that entrusting oneself to God’s will brings joy and profound serenity.”

Act and Pray. Discuss the special calling to the religious life and how parents can respond to that. Pray that parents will be open to whatever calling their children choose to follow. Reflect on how families can practise their faith in the home. Mary, Mother of the church, pray for us.