Vatican City: As part of the Jubilee Year for Seminarians and Priests, the Vatican is preparing to host a significant international gathering focused on vocational ministry under the theme “Joyful Priests; I Have Called You Friends” (John 15:15). The event, which will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome, aims to bring together clergy, seminary formators, and lay collaborators to reflect, pray, and share experiences in nurturing vocations. Pope Leo XIV will be in attendance, underscoring the spiritual and pastoral importance of the occasion.
The theme, drawn from the Gospel of John, reflects the heart of priestly life as one of intimate friendship with Christ. It speaks not only of service but of a joyful relationship grounded in love, calling priests to live their vocation with hope, humility, and generosity. The event is organized by the Dicastery for the Clergy and is part of the broader Jubilee celebration, highlighting the universal need for priestly renewal and inspiration.
The gathering will begin with a moment of prayer, followed by an opening address from Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy. He will welcome the participants and emphasize the role of the Jubilee Year in renewing the Church’s focus on vocations and priestly identity. This opening session will feature five presentations from different parts of the world, offering real-life examples of effective vocational outreach.
From Mexico, Fr. José Alberto Estrada García will present the Monterrey diocesan vocational center, a successful model of pastoral accompaniment. Italy’s Fr. Michele Gianola will speak on national-level initiatives currently being implemented to attract vocations. Argentina will be represented by Dr. María Lía Zervino, who will discuss youth missionary movements that inspire vocations to priesthood, religious life, and marriage. Ireland’s Dr. Maura Murphy will offer insights into Holy Family Mission's youth-led renewal, which has significantly increased seminary enrollments. Spain will be represented by Fr. Florentino Pérez Vaquer, who will share a new national pastoral approach to vocations.
Pope Leo XIV’s keynote address will be the spiritual centerpiece of the event. His speech will reflect on the joy and holiness of priestly life in today’s world, urging clergy to remain rooted in communion with Christ and to find strength in the Eucharist, pastoral care, and service. The Pope is expected to encourage priests to embrace the beauty of their calling and live out their vocation as witnesses to God’s love in a troubled world. A dialogue session will follow, allowing attendees to share questions and experiences in a spirit of mutual support.
The second half of the event will spotlight innovative models of seminary formation from around the world. In Africa, seminaries are promoting smaller, community-based formation programs that focus on simplicity, discernment, and manual labor. From the Philippines, the Immaculate Conception Seminary in Malolos will be showcased for its grassroots, mission-oriented approach to priestly training. Colombia will highlight the San Carlo Major Seminary, which emphasizes close-knit communities arranged around a chapel symbolizing Christ’s central presence.
Brazil’s presentation will center on the national network of missionary councils for seminarians, which includes over 110 local groups offering formation and missionary experiences. Finally, from the United States, the Diocese of Wichita will be presented as a model of vibrant seminary life, attracting many young men through a deeply rooted faith community and effective pastoral programs.
The gathering will conclude in time for participants to take part in the evening Vigil for Vocations at St. Peter’s Basilica. This closing act of prayer will symbolize the unity and shared mission of all who work in the field of vocations and seminary formation. The event is open to priests, religious, seminarians, and lay ministers involved in formation, with free registration available on the Dicastery’s official website, www.clerus.va.
In a world that often undervalues spiritual vocations, the “Joyful Priests” event seeks to reaffirm the dignity and joy of serving Christ as His friend and shepherd. Through global sharing, prayer, and encouragement, the Church hopes to inspire a new generation of joyful priests committed to proclaiming the Gospel and building a community of love and service.