It promised to be a great event, a great celebration—and it delivered! The Congress of Vocations – Assembly of Those Called to the Mission, organized by the Spanish Episcopal Conference from February 7 to 9, 2025, gathered us to celebrate and share the joy of vocation—our own—and to reflect on it together. The Daughters of Charity joined from all the provinces of Spain, as well as from Paris, with the participation of Sister Antonia González and Sister Hanna Cybula.
According to various media reports, the Congress brought together more than 3,000 participants from the 70 Spanish dioceses, accompanied by 65 bishops. There was representation from 54 lay movements and associations, 120 congregations, and 250 different ecclesial realities. This great diversity was a source of encouragement and enthusiasm, as we could feel the unity of all in the same faith. We enjoyed the bishops’ addresses, the theologians’ lectures, the highly engaging and inspiring Workshops of Experiences and Testimonies (TET), and of course, the festive evening filled with songs and dances, further lifted our spirits and energized our bodies.
The atmosphere of the congress was described as a “feast of the Church,” filled with moments of prayer, music, and celebration. We were united by the joy of being called and gathered by Him, to give Him a concrete response in our lives.
We quote a few words from one of the opening speeches of the congress, prepared by a team:
“Life is a vocation, and joy comes from knowing that one is a gift—it belongs to all and is for all. It takes shape in the different states of life and missions, which are the specific vocations of each person. In other words, the various vocations are the concrete face of the vocation itself. Therefore, we cannot speak of vocation without vocations, nor do vocations make sense without vocation. Because in all vocations, God takes the first step; He is the One who calls us and takes the initiative—to give us life, to call us to follow Him.”
We, Daughters of Charity, take to heart the uniqueness of our vocation, which calls us to serve the poorest, in whom we find Jesus. There is no vocation without a mission—that is clear to us. And no mission is not supported by a vocation, a calling, whatever it may be. The important thing is to discover it and respond to it.
“Let it be done,” said Mary—and she fulfilled her mission.
