Ignatius of Loyola begins his Spiritual Exercises with a statement that is both compass and destination: Man is created to praise, do reverence, and serve God our Lord and, by this, save his soul. (EE 23). This “Principle and Foundation” is not a mere pious declaration; it is the rock upon which a meaningful life is built. Ignatius reminds us that at the very core of human beings, there is not an emptiness, but a longing for transcendence, a thirst for purpose that is only quenched when our freedom is oriented towards our Creator. All of existence then becomes a joyful quest to answer an essential question: How can I, with my history, my gifts, and my frailties, praise, revere, and serve God in the best way possible?
Answering this question is at the heart of vocational discernment. It is recognizing that God, who has loved us first, dreams of us in a state of life that is not only happy, but also in full service of his Kingdom, drawing from the gifts he has given us.
Vocational Pastoral Care is part of the mission entrusted to the universal Society of Jesus: “Showing the way to God” (PAU 1). We accompany young people in their search for God's will for their lives. From this starting point, a path of discernment is proposed, respecting the pace of each restless young person, and deepening step by step.
*Photos: Manuel González Asturias, SJ
