“You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16)

From 11 to 15 June, five young women from Spain and Italy lived a vocational experience in Quercianella, Italy, marked by listening, prayer and fraternity. They were accompanied by Sister Laura, Formation Councillor of the Province of España Este; Sister Raffaela, Pastoral Councillor of the Province of San Vincenzo – Italy; and Father Francesco, CM.

The San Giuseppe house provided an ideal setting for the gathering, where the Vincentian charism is brought to life through various services offering hospitality, support and rest. In this simple and fraternal atmosphere, the young women were able to reflect more deeply on God’s call in the light of the Gospel, particularly in the context of Jesus’ call to his first disciples.

The moments of formation, personal and community prayer, time shared with the children of Casa Papa Francesco, the visit to Florence, the celebration of the Eucharist in Livorno and the pilgrimage to the Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie helped them to recognize God’s presence in beauty, silence, shared life and the encounter with the smallest and most vulnerable.

Coming from different vocational journeys, the participants experienced how God’s language transcends all barriers and how prayer, listening and a shared desire to seek the Lord forge bonds of true fellowship. The gathering was also an expression of the Company’s desire to open up new horizons, to accompany young people and to continue building communion wherever God calls.