Rogate and Vocational Ministry

The Pope's prayer intention for vocations to the priesthood and religious life [February 2025] resonates deeply with the spiritual legacy of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia (1851-1927), whose life's work centered on the divine command “Rogate” - pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest (Mt 9:37-38).

Saint Hannibal Mary's profound understanding of the vocational crisis began during his early youth when he received a divine inspiration about the critical importance of prayer for vocations in a moment of Eucharistic adoration. This revelation would shape his entire ministry and establish two religious congregations dedicated to this crucial mission: the Daughters of Divine Zeal (1887) and the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus (1897).

The saint's approach to vocational discernment aligns with Pope Francis's call to “welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call.” Saint Hannibal Mary understood that vocational accompaniment requires both prayer and active support. He established the “Association of Prayer for Vocations,” making this spiritual work accessible to all faithful, recognizing that the entire ecclesial community plays a vital role in nurturing vocations.

What makes Saint Hannibal Mary’s insights particularly relevant today is his understanding that the “problem of priestly vocations – and even both male and female religious vocations – is the fundamental problem of the Church.” He saw that without dedicated workers in God's vineyard, the Church's mission of evangelization and charity would be severely hampered.

The Rogate spirituality teaches us that vocational discernment is not merely a matter of personal choice but a divine-human dialogue that requires the support of the entire Christian community. When we pray for vocations, we participate in Christ's own concern for His people who are “like sheep without a shepherd.” This communal dimension of vocational discernment echoes the Pope's intention that the ecclesial community should actively welcome and support those discerning their calling.

As we face challenges in vocational ministry, Saint Hannibal Mary's vision reminds us that our primary response must be rooted in prayer. Yet, this prayer must be accompanied by concrete actions to create environments where young people can freely explore their calling, supported by a community that understands the essential nature of religious vocations for the Church's life and mission.

Fr. Viktor Emmanuel Aurellana is a Filipino Rogationist Religious Priest.