LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur, October 24, 2026 — The Commission on Vocations of the Diocese of Libmanan, under the leadership of its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Gerardo de la Cruz, gathered members of the Sodalitas Sancti Benedicti and representatives of various religious communities at St. James the Greater Cathedral on October 24 for a diocesan vocation promotion activity in preparation for the observance of the Third National Vocation Month in November.
The gathering brought together members of the Sodalitas Sancti Benedicti, a diocesan religious organization established several years ago with the particular apostolate of supporting and promoting vocations. Its members are committed not only to praying for vocations but also to actively encouraging and helping young people discern their calling, whether to the diocesan priesthood or to the religious life. The organization likewise extends financial assistance to seminarians from financially disadvantaged families.
Joining the gathering were representatives of several religious communities serving in the Diocese of Libmanan: the Ancillae Cordis Iesu (ACI), or Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; the Daughters of Mary (DM); the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC); the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena (OP); the Franciscan Apostolic Sisters (FAS); the Missionary Oratorians of Mary (MOM); and the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT). Three sisters from the Siervas de Maria (SdeM), a religious congregation based in the neighboring Archdiocese of Caceres, also participated.
Each religious community was given an opportunity to introduce its particular charism, spirituality, and apostolic mission, allowing participants to become more familiar with the different forms of consecrated life and the various ways of serving the Church. The presentations also provided an occasion for the religious communities to invite young people to consider a vocation within their respective congregations.
The activity was organized by seminarians of St. Benedict Diocesan Seminary as part of the preparations for the Third National Vocation Month 2026, to be celebrated throughout November with the theme: “LDR: Discovering God’s Gift Within—Listen, Discern, and Respond.” The theme underscores the importance of listening to God’s call, discerning His will, and responding generously to the vocation He has entrusted to each person.
A notable feature of the gathering was the remarkable growth of the Sodalitas Sancti Benedicti. In only a few years since its establishment, its membership has grown exponentially, making it the largest religious organization in the diocese. The Cathedral was filled to overflowing with members, reflecting their enthusiasm and strong commitment to the apostolate of vocation promotion.
The gathering highlighted the importance of making vocation promotion a shared responsibility of the entire diocesan community. Through prayer, personal accompaniment, practical assistance, and greater awareness of the different forms of consecrated life, the Church hopes to encourage more young people to discover and respond generously to God’s call.
