From April 1 to 3, the second “Open House” event was held, organized by the vocations office of the Novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ in Monterrey. During the event, the novices were able to share with their friends the life to which God is calling them.
30 young people had the opportunity to learn about the activities typical of the novitiate: praying together, listening to formative talks, playing among friends, and sharing testimonies.
“The priestly vocation can be promoted today among young people through testimony. When young people see an ideal of life that makes you feel fulfilled, an ideal of life with purpose that gives you an identity, that gives you a sense of transcendence, when they see that you live this with joy, young people are naturally attracted,” comments Fr. Julio Muñoz, LC.
The novitiate seeks to attract young people who feel called to the priestly vocation through the lived witness of Christian life. The novices strive to live their vocation with joy and generosity, which naturally attracts other young people to discover if God is also calling them.
When a young person shows signs of a possible vocation, they are offered accompaniment and spiritual direction to discover the mission—that is, what God is asking of their heart.
Generally, young people who show vocational concerns display signs such as a certain resonance and spiritual sensitivity, a desire for a purposeful life, a natural desire to help others, a great love for God, a sensitive heart, and a certain dissatisfaction with what the world offers.
During the “Open House” event, young people are invited to participate in activities such as Eucharistic adoration, approaching the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, and receiving necessary accompaniment through spiritual direction.
From there, the goal is to accompany them in the life of grace by staying in contact with the word of God and with an apostolic commitment, carrying out pastoral activities that allow them to experience helping others.