What is our vocation?

Mary's Assumption by Rubens

The past few days have been a reminder to me of what a true vocation is all about.

I attended the funeral mass of a husband and wife who died 48 hours apart. They were devoted to each other and their family for over 50 years - it was a true vocation. Their calling was to be a married couple. May they rest in peace.

We are all called to a vocation in life (be it married, religious/priesthood or single), but we must listen to the call of God and try to be true to it.

Vocation is a calling and we should answer this call just as the Virgin Mary did when the Angel appeared to her and told her that she would be the Mother of Jesus. How many of us listen with an open mind, an open heart and an open will to this call and follow Mary's example?

I will celebrate 24 years in religious life on the 15th August, the Feast of the Assumption, and I want to thank God and His Blessed Mother for giving me the strength and courage to continue with my vocation.

Our Lady of the Presentation, pray for us.

May - the month of Mary...

The month of May has traditionally been a time of special devotion to the Mother of God. We, Presentation Brothers, are named after the Presentation of Mary in the Temple.

Here is a beautiful hymn to Mary that I came across and thought I'd share with you on this the last day of Mary's month.

Let's seek her intercession for all those who are discerning their vocation. Let today's young men and women echo her words, "Be it done unto me according to thy Word".

New in the Job

How did I end up here!!!

I've been a social worker in Cork, a missionary in the West Indies, a school chaplain and a member of the Provincial Council of my congregation, the Presentation Brothers, but being the Vocations Director is probably going to be my most daunting task.

Everyone I meet is saying it to me- "that's a tough job". I feel like saying "I know!!!"

So, how do I face this job in 2009- one of the most difficult years in living memory for the Church in Ireland.


So, where do I get the strength to do it. Firstly, I believe in my own call. I believe that I was created by God to serve Him and His people in this way, as a religious brother.

Secondly, I believe in religious brotherhood. Religious brotherhood is fundamentally about being a brother to other people, especially the poor and those in need.

Thirdly, I believe in the Presentation Brothers, my religious congregation. I believe that our mission - To Form Christ In The Young - is still relevant today.

Finally, here's what I don't believe in- numbers. My role is not to press gang people into religious life. My role is to help young men to figure out the best path to follow to use their gifts and talents to serve God. However, I will unapologetically, offer religious brotherhood as a great way to achieve this.

Our Congregation is named after the Presentation of Mary. We celebrate her feast day on 21st November. My prayer today is that Mary's Yes at the Annunciation will find an echo in the lives of many Irish men and women in our day.