From February 7 to 9, 2025, Madrid became the epicenter of vocational reflection with the celebration of the National Vocations Congress under the theme “For Whom Am I? Assembly of Those Called to Mission.” Organized by the Spanish Episcopal Conference, this gathering brought together more than 3,000 people from various ecclesial backgrounds, including bishops, priests, religious men and women, and laypeople committed to promoting the Christian vocation.
The main objective of the Congress was to renew vocational ministry in Spain, fostering discernment and accompaniment of new generations in their response to God’s call. In this context, the Vincentian Family played a key role, contributing its charism and testimony in serving the poor and evangelization.
Development of the Congress
The event took place at the “Madrid-Arena” pavilion in Casa de Campo, a venue that hosted representatives from Spain’s 70 dioceses, 65 bishops, 54 lay movements and associations, 120 congregations, and 250 ecclesial groups committed to the evangelizing mission. One of the most notable aspects was the strong presence of young people under 35, who made up approximately 30% of the attendees, demonstrating a renewed interest in vocational discernment.
The theme “For Whom Am I?” was inspired by Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit and sought to provoke deep reflection on the meaning of Christian life and each person’s call to a specific mission in the Church and the world.
The Congress was structured around various activities:
- Lectures and conferences by theologians, pastors, and vocational witnesses.
- Panel discussions and workshops, addressing current challenges in vocational ministry.
- Moments of prayer and Eucharistic celebrations, emphasizing community and spiritual dimensions.
- Informal gatherings and testimonies, allowing participants to share experiences and mutual accompaniment.
Pope Francis sent a special message to the Congress, encouraging the Church in Spain to be a welcoming community close to young people, accompanying them in their search for meaning and their call to mission.
The Presence of the Vincentian Family at the Congress
The Vincentian Family played a very active role in this Congress, enriching the discussion and reflection on vocation with its charism centered on charity and service to the poor. Three key aspects marked its presence:
1. Presentation of Vincentian Models of Evangelization
The Congress highlighted figures such as Frédéric Ozanam and Pier Giorgio Frassati as models of evangelizing passion and commitment to the vulnerable and excluded. Through various presentations, the importance of living the Christian vocation through testimony and concrete service was emphasized, following the example of these young laypeople who embodied the Vincentian spirit in their time.
2. Participation in Panel Discussions and Workshops
Members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Daughters of Charity, the Congregation of the Mission and other Vincentian branches participated in workshops and panel discussions dedicated to vocational ministry in contexts of poverty and social exclusion. Their testimony was key to understanding vocation not only as a call to priesthood or consecrated life but also as a mission of service in the world.
One of the most well-received workshops was “Vocation and Commitment to the Poor,” where participants reflected on how the preferential option for the poor is itself a vocational path in which many laypeople and young people can find their mission within the Church.
3. Testimonies of Young Vincentians
A group of young people from Vincentian branches shared their experiences of discernment and commitment to the most needy. Their stories inspired many attendees, showing that vocation can be lived through everyday actions and accompaniment of the most vulnerable.
Conclusions
The National Vocations Congress 2025 was a privileged space for reflection, encounter, and discernment. The Church in Spain reaffirmed its commitment to vocational promotion, seeking to accompany young people in their journey of faith and mission.
The Vincentian Family, with its testimony of service and evangelization, contributed an essential dimension to the Congress, reminding everyone that the Christian vocation is not only lived in contemplation but also in action and commitment to the most needy. Their participation left a deep impact on many attendees, emphasizing that the question “For Whom Am I?” finds its fullest answer in generous and selfless service.
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