Centered on the theme of vocations, the day offered prayer, testimony, and a renewed call to support priestly discernment within families.

The assembly began with the celebration of Mass, followed by a moving testimony from Mrs. Lucy Castro, wife of Deacon Élix Castro and mother of Father Xavy Castro, the director of vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.  Speaking from a mother’s heart, Mrs. Castro shared her family’s journey of faith as her son discerned the priesthood and entered seminary.

She spoke candidly about moments of worry – wondering who would care for her son – and about times when she questioned his decision, even opposing it out of maternal concern. Over time, however, her heart changed. Through prayer and surrender, her faith deepened as she entrusted her son completely into God’s hands.

With great emotion, Mrs. Castro described the most joyous moment of her journey: the day of her son’s ordination. She reflected on one of the most beautiful traditions of the ordination rite: the Anointing of the Hands. After the bishop anoints the newly ordained priest’s hands with the Sacred Chrism oil, they are wrapped in a white cloth to absorb the excess oil. This cloth, known as the manutergium, is then presented to the newly ordained priest’s mother. At the time of her funeral, the cloth will be placed in her hands in the casket as a sign of the gift her son has given to the priesthood. Mrs. Castro shared how deeply this tradition moved her and expressed overwhelming gratitude for the blessing of having a son who serves as a priest.

Father Xavy Castro continued the day with a heartfelt invitation to those present to remain open to the possibility that their own sons may be called to the priesthood.  He emphasized the urgent need for Spanish-speaking priests in our diocese and posed a powerful question: “Where do they come from?” His answer was simple and clear: “They come from the family.”

He encouraged families to pray together regularly – especially for vocations to the priesthood – and to foster open conversations about discernment. Parents were urged to support their sons in attending “Come and See” weekends and other opportunities to explore God’s call.

The gathering concluded with a holy hour of Eucharistic Adoration led by Father Xavy, featuring meditations specifically focused on praying for vocations to the priesthood.

To learn more about vocations, click here.

If you believe God may be calling you to the priesthood or religious life, please contact the Vocations Office at 727-345-3452.

Please continue to pray for all of our priests, religious, seminarians, and for all those discerning their vocation.