Thanks to a partnership between Elisheba House, the Office of Vocations, and the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, a period of 40 hours of prayer and exposition was offered from 8:15 a.m. November 6 through 12:00 a.m. November 8.

In longing for more vocations to the priesthood, religious life, diaconate, consecrated single life, and holy matrimony, lay and religious came together in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The faithful were present each hour, with many sacrificing their time and sleep to be present even in the middle of the night to pray for vocations and adore the Lord.

Adorare, which began last year, has become an important invitation to prayer in the diocese. As it took place during National Vocation Awareness Week, it was the perfect time to encourage prayer that many will answer the call God has placed on their hearts.

“It’s a time to dedicate prayer for these young men and women – for those that are still searching and still deciding what the Lord is calling them to do,” said Father Xavy Castro, director of vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, in his homily during the opening Mass. 

“That they may recognize that whatever God has called them to, they are the Lord’s and they may trust in His will for them.”

Through coordination among those involved, blocks of time were arranged for different groups and forms of prayer such as an hour for the Spanish-speaking community, a praise and worship hour, and opportunities for Mass.

Events such as this are occasions to ask the Lord to encourage, inspire, and walk with those He is calling to Himself and calling in a special way.  

“At the root of every vocation there’s a reality that if God is calling a young man or young woman to serve in this capacity, to give their life for the Lord and for the people of God, whether as a priest or religious, the Lord has called them for greatness,” said Father Castro. “The Lord has called them to this duty to be set apart. We were chosen by God already; we just have to follow Him faithfully in all that we do.”

The impact is seen in the faithful that spent time with the Lord and remains to be seen in the future through the seeds that are planted as a result of the many prayers that were prayed.

For more information about vocations in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, click here.

For more information about Elisheba House, click here.