As part of the Jubilee of Seminarians and Priests, the Dicastery for the Clergy will host an international event titled “Joyful Priests – I Have Called You Friends” (Jn 15:15) on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Auditorium Conciliazione near the Vatican.
The gathering, which Pope Leo XIV will attend, aims to foster encounter, reflection, and fraternity among priests, seminary formators, and leaders in vocational ministry.
The theme, drawn from the Gospel of John, underscores the joy and friendship at the heart of the priestly vocation.
The event will begin with a moment of prayer and a welcome from Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery, followed by presentations highlighting successful vocational ministry models from around the world, including Mexico, Italy, Argentina, Ireland, and Spain.
The highlight of the event will be the address of Pope Leo XIV, offering reflection on the beauty and mission of priesthood today. The session may also include testimonies and open dialogue.
The second part of the program will showcase exemplary models of seminary formation from Africa, the Philippines, Colombia, Brazil, and the United States, illustrating innovative approaches to discernment, formation, and missionary engagement.
The gathering will conclude in time for participants to join the Vocations Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Participation is free, but registration is required via the Dicastery’s official website: www.clerus.va, until seats are filled.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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