The final retreat day was spent in prayer. We were called during this period, to pray especially for an increase in vocations to religious life and to ponder the call to follow Jesus received at baptism.
Throughout the day there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel. We understand that the Eucharist is the best way to foster vocations. This means that persons who attend Mass, receive Communion and invoke Christ in the Blessed Sacrament obtain light and strength that no one else has a claim to.
The Eucharist is also the best way to recognize vocations. A man or woman devoted to the Eucharist is an apt subject for the Religious life.
The Eucharist is also the infallible way of preserving one's vocation. This is especially true of devotion to the Real Presence. Is it any wonder that saintly Religious over the centuries have been uncommonly devoted to the Blessed Sacrament? They know where to obtain the help they need to remain faithful to their vocations. It is from the same Christ who called them and who continues to sustain them in His consecrated service.
Vocations begin with the Eucharist; they are developed through the Eucharist; and they are preserved by the Eucharist. All of this is true because the Eucharist is Jesus Christ, still on earth, working through men and women whom He calls to share His Plan for salvation.
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Pray for the Canonization of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
"We have been consecrated to the cross through the grace of baptism . . . To bear the cross with Jesus must be for the Christian not merely a duty but an honor and a glory."
Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
