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We can define a vocation in different ways. In the secular world, we can define it as an occupation. For example, we can say
that our father's vocation is to be a computer programmer, a farmer, an auto mechanic, etc., besides being a father or husband. There are many kinds of vocations. The sense that we attribute to it as
Catholics is a calling from God to do something for Him as a priest, brother or sister. From a Franciscan perspective we can further define it as a calling to follow in the footsteps and spirit of St.
Francis of Assisi who lived from 1182-1226 in Assisi, Italy. St. Francis felt he was called by God to be someone who lived the way of the Gospel, being a follower of His Son, Jesus.
Your vocation
began long before your present consideration to examine the process of becoming a Franciscan. Your call or vocation began when God called you to be His son at Baptism. At your Baptism you were called by God
to be His Beloved. He picked you up and embraced you and said to you, "I love you for all time and eternity." Thus began your call. The rest of your life will be spent in responding to His unconditional
love. You do this in many ways; when you go to Church; when you made your First Communion and Confirmation; when you follow God's will by being kind and considerate to others; when you respond to others in
ways that are pleasing to God. In all of these ways, you are responding to God's call to be His son.
God also calls some to a different relationship with Him as Sisters, Brothers and Priests. He has a
purpose in mind that is not like the other vocations. That does not mean it is better or more perfect than other vocations. It means that it is a call from God for special service to Him for others. It means
that some are called to be examples to others of commitment by vows, promises made to God to be faithful to Him. The vows are among the essential foundations of Religious life. We promise that we will live
without property, money and things that are for our exclusive use and ownership. This is called the vow of poverty. We want to show we depend on God and not on things. |
