October 2025, 6th Edition | | |
Message from SI Leadership
Message from Cindy Bell, President SI Foundation
Dear Serrans,
My name is Cindy Bell and I am the President of the Serra International Foundation, One of my favorite Gospel passages is;
“I thank my God for you every time I think of you, and every time I pray for you, I pray with JOY.” --- Philippians 1: 3-4
The Serra International Foundation, established in 1951 by the Serra International Board reflecting the values of Serra International.Serra is aggregated to Vatican and plays a vital role in ensuring the continuity and vitality of the Church by actively fostering and promoting vocations to the ministerial priesthood and consecrated religious life. Through its targeted financial support and unwavering commitment to its mission, the Foundation addresses a critical need within the Church and Serra and contributes significantly to its future.
The core purpose of the Serra International Foundation is threefold: to provide financial assistance to programs that encourage and develop vocations to the priesthood; to support the formation of men and women entering consecrated religious life; and to strengthen Serra International's recognition as the leading global lay apostolate dedicated to vocations. This mission is not merely symbolic; it translates into tangible support for initiatives that nurture faith, inspire reflection, and ultimately guide individuals towards discerning their calling within the Church.
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The Foundation's impact is demonstrably profound. It has supported countless programs, retreats, and vocational activities across the globe, inspiring countless individuals to contemplate a life dedicated to service. While the full scope of its influence may be immeasurable, the expressions of gratitude received from those whose vocations were realized through the Foundation's support serve as a powerful testament to its effectiveness. Furthermore, the Foundation's work extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries of its grants, fostering a broader environment of faith and spiritual growth within the Catholic community.
Since 2005, the Serra International Foundation has disbursed over $3 million to advance its mission, a testament to the generosity of its supporters from around the world. However, the demand for assistance far exceeds the available resources. The Foundation's ability to address the ever-growing needs of the Church hinges upon the continued commitment of Serrans and the broader Catholic community.
- You may also contact Development Director Paul Slomski: pslomski@serrainternational.org for more information.
Your Friend In Serra,
Cindy Bell,
President Serra International Foundation
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Message from Chicago
Global Rosary for Vocations Celebrates 120th Virtual Gathering
On August 30, 2025, Serrans celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Global Rosary for Vocations. This was the 120th virtual gathering, by Zoom and phone, of Serrans across the world praying the Rosary specifically for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Rosary, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, is regularly joined by Serrans from the United States, Australia, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, England, Italy, and Canada.
The Global Rosary for Vocations was initiated in 2015 by then-Serra International President Tim O’Neill of the Serra Club of Omaha, Nebraska, USA, who wanted to find a way to connect members from clubs across the world in real time. Naturally, prayer came to mind.
“There’s something we all do very well together, and that’s pray,” O’Neill said. This simple idea turned out to be a staple in the prayerful life of hundreds, if not thousands, of Serrans.
The first Global Rosary for Vocations was recited on August 29, 2015.
“We first started by hosting the rosary on Free Conference Call, which was all by phone,” O’Neill recalls. In those days, both technology and users had their own glitches. “We’d have so many people on, it was overloading the system..”
Still, for the first time, Serrans were getting a sense – by ear – of how international our organization truly is. They could hear the rosary being recited in different languages, or at least English in different international or regional accents.
“For those Serrans who couldn’t go to international conventions, the rosary was very impactful in that they understood that Serra is much, much bigger than just their own club or district,” O’Neill said.
They also became aware of the wide spread of time zones from which Serrans were calling in. “I would think, ‘My day is just starting with this rosary at 8am, while Frank McCulloch in Australia is calling in at 11pm his time,” O’Neill said.
During the pandemic, the number of Serrans tuning into the prayer grew. As technology evolved into a better system for virtual meetings, the rosary’s platform moved to Zoom. Suddenly, Serrans could see as well as hear each other praying around the world, and that made it that much more special during a time when in-person interaction was discouraged or even dangerous.
The most memorable Rosary, to O’Neill, was the one recited in Chiang Mai, Thailand, during the international convention in 2023.
“It was the night of the banquet – during the banquet, actually – and we were gathered around this 3- or 4-foot tall statue of the Blessed Virgin who was decorated with flowers. Everyone who said a decade of the Rosary got up and stood in front of her. The bishops and the cardinals stood in front of her to do the intentions. The video was live streamed around the world.”
“Over these past 10 years, it is just remarkable how faithful Serrans have stayed to this activity,” O’Neill says. "This is our Rosary. It is Serrans praying together for vocations with one voice, and it's a powerful voice."
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SERRA SPOTLIGHT
Mexico and Central America
A Different Kind of Convention
The 43rd National Convention of Serra Mexico and Central America, held from October 2 thru 4 in Casa Tetela, Cuernavaca, Morelos, marked a historic milestone for our apostolate. For the first time, the convention did not take place outside in a hotel setting, but in a venue surrounded by nature, serenity, and spirituality—an ideal environment for fraternal encounter and vocational reflection.
Representatives from 17 Serra clubs attended, totaling nearly 90 participants, including six apostolate chaplains, two archbishops, and a bishop emeritus from El Salvador. The experience was deeply enriching. In an atmosphere of harmony and collaboration, participants shared inspiring conferences, productive work sessions, and moments of prayer that strengthened the Serra spirit.
The event, held at the Lasallian Brothers’ Retreat House in Casa Tetela, provided the perfect setting for three days of formation, work, spirituality, and fellowship. Thanks to the facilities, which allowed all activities to take place in one location, participants were punctual and fully engaged, even on rainy days. This new venue allowed for a closer and more meaningful interaction, proving that the mission of promoting and supporting vocations flourishes even more in spaces where community and faith meet face to face. The retreat’s setting fostered fraternity, work, and prayer. Attendees agreed that this type of venue enhances fellowship, minimizes distractions, and strengthens the sense of community.
The event featured the valuable presence of Jesse Gallegos from the U.S. Serra Council, representing Serra International, who delivered a message from U.S. Serra Council, President Dr. Anne Roat. Her words inspired attendees to continue strengthening the vocational apostolate with unity and enthusiasm.
Four major conferences were presented: “The Role of the Laity in Vocational Ministry” (Mons. Ramón Castro Castro); “Current Challenges in Vocational Ministry” (Mons. Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong); “The Vocation of the Laity in the World” (Mr. Ricardo Bon Echavarría); and “The Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena” (Rev. Eduardo Aguilar Navarro).
Six working groups were formed with strong participation, leading to concrete outcomes and closer ties among clubs. The National Council of Mexico–Central America also held its sixth meeting of the term, successfully doubling the number of work sessions.
The plenary assembly featured an innovative format: council reports were presented through video, optimizing time and encouraging transparency and direct interaction with members, who engaged actively throughout.
During the assembly, the election of the first woman president of the Mexico–Central America Council was announced, Veronica Riera Trejo. She will assume office in Xalapa in 2026, opening a new chapter in the council’s history.
Other highlights included the presentation of new video training programs for governors, presidents, and leaders—an accessible tool for continuous formation.
The convention concluded with the symbolic passing of the torch to the Serra Xalapa members, who will host the next convention from September 24 thru 26, 2026.
Without a doubt, this venue and program format left a deep impression on everyone’s hearts. It was a space for encounter, learning, and renewal of the Serra spirit—one that inspires us to continue working with greater enthusiasm, faith, and commitment to our vocational mission.
See you in Xalapa 2026.
Serra Mexico–Central America
Always Forward, Never Backward
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SERRA NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
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Serra Australasia
Visit to Australia by Dr. Moira McQueen
At the end of February 2025, we welcomed a visit from the Serra International President, Dr. Moira McQueen and husband, Matthew to Australia.
On Friday the 28 th February they visited our North Shore Sydney Club for morning tea and lunch, and Moira spoke about the activities of Serra International and her home Club. In the
afternoon she met with the Vicar General of the Diocese, Father David Ranson for vocation discussions.
On Sunday 2 nd March the visit to the Victorian Clubs commenced with our Serran annual Mass and an excellent lunch at the Corpus Christi Seminary with the seminarians.
There were about 35 Serrans in attendance, from all four Victorian Clubs.
Moira addressed the gathering and gave both seminarians and Serra members a description of the work of Serra international.
On Tuesday 4 March, Moira and Matthew visited Sale Diocese for a meeting with Bishop Greg Bennet. The potential for establishing a new Club was discussed and a new member
was inducted, followed by a meeting of the Serra Club of Sale.
Summary
It was great experience for members to meet with and to learn from Moira and Matt who are truly wonderful people.
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Serra Brazil
Support for Vocations
One of the most important activities of the Serra Club members is, without a doubt, the work of supporting and encouraging young men’s vocation to the priesthood and religious life, seminarians, and postulants. Clubs based in cities with seminaries personally carry out this beautiful and important work, but all other clubs also contribute, both financially and especially through prayer.
The support provided, first through prayer and then through presence, words of encouragement, and sometimes also materially or financially, always gives the young man with a calling new inspiration and courage to continue on their journey toward Consecrated Life.
In Brazil, we have several cases of priests who say: "I am a priest thanks to a couple from the Serra Club who were there in the seminary where I studied and encouraged me to remain steadfast in my vocation, even when I was facing difficulties and was about to leave the seminary."
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Serra Canada
Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to The Holy Doors
July 19 2025 was a significant day for Serrans and their partners. The day began with Praise and Worship and a Rosary for Vocations at St Gregory the Great at 8:00 am, followed by the 11 am Mass for Vocations at St Barnabas, and concluded with Eucharistic Adoration at St Edward the Confessor at 4 pm. Many church organizations joined the one-day Pilgrimage to the Holy Doors, where attendees received the Plenary Indulgence. A seminarian from St Augustine, Keith Diaz, who is an answered the prayers from The Durham Serra Club, served at the Mass officiated by Fr John Mark Missio.
On August 24 2025, a bus was chartered to bring Pilgrims to the Martyr's Shrine in Midland Ontario. Serrans joined Frank Cardinal Leo and followed the same program as July 19. The event started with a Mass at the St JP2 Altar, attended by over 3,000 Pilgrims, Celebrated by Cardinal Leo, Bishop Vincent Nguyen, and other clergy. It was an amazing journey for the Pilgrims of Hope, who were grateful for the opportunity to receive the Plenary Indulgence.
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Serra Great Britain
October the Month of the Holy Rosary
Throughout Great Britain in the month of October our Serrans concentrate our prayers on the Holy Rosary for vocations. For many years we have extended that particular form of prayer in our parishes. Many parishes combine the Rosary with a Holy hour for vocations on a regular basis. It may be once per month or simply before or after our morning masses.
We chose the month of October to promote this programme, October 7th being the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and, by extension, the month of October in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary because of a great victory which took place on October 7, 1571. The Church in Europe, in that year, faced a seemingly hopeless challenge. The Ottoman Empire had conquered the Middle East, slaughtering millions of Christians and forcing the survivors to convert to Islam. They then moved across the Mediterranean Sea, invading Crete and Cyprus. From these islands, they set their sights on Rome and the Christian kingdoms of the central Mediterranean.
Pope Pius V called on rosary confraternities of Europe to public recitation of the Rosary asking the intercession of Our Lady. The Holy league rallied to engage the Islamic threat. The Battle of Lepanto ensued between the Christians and the Ottoman Empire. The Christian fleet, outnumbered with no hope of winning, won the day on Sunday 7th of October defeating the invading Turks, off the coast of Greece.
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Serra Hong Kong S.A.R.
Honouring Fr. John B. Tsang Hing Man: An Outstanding Chaplain
Over the past 80 years since its founding, the Diocese of Hong Kong has nurtured countless faithful parishioners who have generously responded to the calling of God. The Serra Club of Hong Kong has stood as a beacon of faith, dedicated to a mission of fostering and supporting religious vocations within the community.
A central figure in the Serra Club story is Fr. John B. Tsang Hing Man, whose recent retirement marks the end of an era. For over four decades as the Club's Chaplain, his guidance was a cornerstone of its work. Through sermons, teachings, and his constant presence at celebrations, he provided careful spiritual nurturing to all members.
Fr. Tsang’s own journey into his sixty-two years of consecrated life began in his youth, born into a devout family and educated in Catholic schools. After completing his studies in the South China Seminary, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Hong Kong on June 29, 1963.
His unwavering support and valuable advice to the Club’s leadership were instrumental. His active participation extended beyond local activities to the international stage, where his efforts were formally recognized and earned him the honour of the International Outstanding Chaplain Award, at the 2003 Serra International Convention in Chicago.
His retirement, joyfully celebrated on his 88th birthday, is an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for his service as our Chaplain, guiding us with his immense passion and profound spiritual wisdom. His remarkable example continues to inspire all in following Christ.
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Serra India
Serra Unites
The Serrans organised a 1M Mass [1 Mass a month] at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. They met as many parishioners as possible after each mass and encouraged them to pray for Vocations and the Perseverance of Vocations.
On the occasion of SERRA UNITES, we hosted an evening of prayer and fellowship for the students of the Minor Seminary, Archdiocese of Bangalore.
We began with the ADORATION OF THE HOLY CROSS led by Rev. Fr. Adrian Mascarenhas, Rector of the Minor Seminary and Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph, Rector of the Archdiocesan Collegiate Seminary. There were around 88 seminarians in attendance besides the Serra members.
This was followed by a time of outdoor games, snacks and quiz. There were a lot of prizes to be won – all very generously contributed by the Serrans. It was an evening of much fun and camaraderie.
The Serrans recited the novena to St. John Marie Vianney, which was followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Vocations and Perseverance of Vocations, online. We had a good attendance.
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Serra Italy
The Festival of the Spirit for a Culture of Vocations
An initiative of the Serra Club of Arezzo
Are you ready to let yourself be guided by the Spirit?
This challenge involves an entire region, in the heart of Tuscany, with the Festival of the Spirit 2025, promoted by the Serra Club of Arezzo in collaboration with the Diocese, dedicated this year to the theme of Hope. The Serra Club's goal is to enable a wider community to experience a time of grace and growth, in which the Spirit works to the discernment of the intimate vocation in each
person's life.
Conferences, walks, concerts, art, and spirituality mark this second edition rich in events that, for five weeks in September and October, involve the Arezzo area and allow, with the presence of extraordinary guests, to explore the different forms of expression of Faith and Hope over the centuries.
The Festival is spread across a project that intertwines and enhances the territory, transforming it into a laboratory of ideas, hopes, and participation. It begins with the reading of the Holy Scriptures (in the photo, National President of Serra, Maria LoPresti), in which the Spirit of the Gospel manifests itself in its multifaceted presence set in churches and villages, in musical expressions and stories. The reading is offered in different places and days by believers and non-believers, local authorities and Serrans, to emphasize how the Spirit blows, enters, and transforms reality with the power of the Word. A journey into the soul that becomes a celebration of joy and Hope.
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Serra Macau S.A.R.
A Visit to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM)
On Saturday afternoon of 27 September 2025, Serra club of Macau visited the convent of The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM). The members wanted to show their gratitude for the sisters’ years of service to the community of Macau. They also wanted to connect with the religious sisters should they need assistance in their daily living.
The members were warmly received by the FMM sisters. After touring the grounds of the convent and its existing facilities, they sat down to chat with the resident sisters. Among them, one sister is 103 years young and the youngest is 70 plus. There are also
some sisters who receive care in the infirmary on a separate floor. Serrans learnt about their experiences in pursuing vocation. The atmosphere was harmonious.
Before the visit came to a close, a thanksgiving Mass was held in the Chapel of the convent where they celebrated the Inauguration ceremony of the new board of trustees 2025-2026. They also prayed for priestly and religious vocations. The Mass was presided over by Rev Fr Domingos Un. In addition to Macau congregants, DG Francisca & President John and members of the Hong Kong Serra club also attended the event, sharing in the Lord's grace. Approximately 50 people attended the Mass.
God Bless.
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Serra Paraguay
Paraguay Honors Saint Junípero Serra with Devotion and Unity
On August 28, the anniversary of the death of our beloved patron saint, St. Junípero Serra, the Serra International Movement in Paraguay came together in deep devotion and fraternity to honor his legacy. This year's celebrations were marked by a renewed spirituality and a strong sense of community among the country's six Serra clubs.
As is tradition, the nine days leading up to the feast of St. Junípero Serra were dedicated to praying the Vocational Holy Rosary. This year, St. Junípero Serra made a pilgrimage, visiting members' homes for 24 to 48 hours, being honored and praying together for priestly, religious, and missionary vocations.
Alternating between homes and parishes, this practice strengthened our bonds of faith and our commitment to intercede for vocations in our nation. August 28 was a day of profound significance, with the central celebration taking place at the iconic Shrine of Our Lady of Caacupé.
The gathering of the six Serra clubs in a day of faith and unity, including the moving pilgrimage through the Holy Door, underscored the importance of divine mercy. The Holy Mass, presided over by ecclesiastical authorities, was the heart of the day, uniting everyone in gratitude and hope.
The day concluded with a fraternal sharing, strengthening bonds and celebrating the life and work of our patron saint, who inspires our constant work for vocational promotion. The Serra International Movement in Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to follow his example, encouraging a generous response to God's call.
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Serra Philippines
Serra Club of Cotabato Hosts Serra Philippines 29th National Convention
The Serra Philippines 29th National Convention was successfully held on May 30 - June 1, 2025, in Cotabato City, Philippines. Delegates from the Serra Club of Cotabato, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, M’lang, Mabini, Tagum, Ozamiz and Tuguegarao attended the convention with the theme, "Pilgrims of Hope, Chosen to Serve”.
The National Convention was marked by activities that fostered prayer, fellowship, and vocational support within the community. His Excellency Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon, OMI, D.D. presided the masses on May 31 and June 1, 2025.
Inspiring messages were delivered by guests sharing different viewpoints. Fr. Ronald Abad, OMI, Pre-Novitiate Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate shared about the challenging experiences of a formator. Bro. Mark Anthony Edio, who recently completed his Priestly Configuration Stage of formation focused on how the Serra Club deeply touched the lives of seminarians. Dr. Susana Anayatin, Member of the Parliament from the BARMM also discussed about laypersons significantly contributions.
Serran Samson Peralta of the Serra Club of Cotabato was elected as the new president of the Serra Philippines.
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Serra Taiwan
Cultivating a Vocation Culture
The August monthly meeting was held at the Taipei Cathedral, featuring a special lecture entitled “Cultivating a "vocation culture" open to God” delivered by Fr. Peter Chiyuan Lo, Rector of the Taiwan Regional Seminary. Through his profound sharing, participants were guided to understand the core meaning of vocation culture, inspiring zeal for faith and a spirit of service.
The core of a "vocation culture" is to open oneself to God, to understand who we are, and ultimately, to find out the belonging of our lives—to whom we belong. On the other hand, "vocation" is God's unique call to each person, and indeed, God's dream for each person. In reality, "vocation" is a life experience touched by God, through which I find myself, recognize my own belonging, and unwaveringly tell the God who calls me: "I do!" The establishment of a "vocation culture" is to lead people to find their belonging in life, thereby inspiring a sense of mission, becoming people who belong to God, and being able to do things that belong to God.
During the gathering, participants not only deepened their spiritual growth but also strengthened fellowship through mutual exchange. The event received enthusiastic responses from those present and became an important milestone in the chapter’s mission of promoting vocations.
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Serra Thailand
Serra Club of Thailand Visits Archbishop Vira Arpondratana
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Serra Thailand Council paid a courtesy visit to Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana to congratulate him on his assumption of office as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bangkok (on March 2, 2025).
A delegation of 14 Serrans, led by Rev.Fr. Pairot Ketrat (Spiritual Director of Dt.140) and Fr. Sarawin Patsrirueang (Head of the Serra Department and Rector of John Paul Minor Seminary, Diocese of Nakhon Sawan), presented the history of Serra Thailand and Serra International. Founded in 1980, the Serra Thailand Council currently has 27 clubs with over 800 members nationwide (except Diocese of Chiang Rai).
Archbishop Vira thanked the Serra Club for its continuous support of vocations to the priesthood and religious life in minor, intermediate, and major seminaries. He urged Serra members to remain steadfast in their spirit and purpose, and to be a source of encouragement for the Bishop.
The Archbishop emphasized the need for mutual listening and listening to all parties, particularly regarding the accountability and transparency in organizational management, as stressed by the late Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, to prevent scandal within the Church. He noted that the Archdiocese of Bangkok must lead by example in transparent and accountable governance for society and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand. He suggested that each diocese establish a lay advisory council with governance expertise to counsel the bishops and priests.
Finally, the Archbishop asked Serra to support and pray for him, while he, in turn, promised prayers for the growth of Serra's mission. He concluded by leading a prayer for God's blessings upon everyone and the Serra movement nationwide.
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Serra USA
Serra Chartering Event
It is always a special occasion whenever a new Serra Club receives its charter. However, the celebration for the newest Serra Club in the United States to receive a charter was a very significant event. On August 26, 2025, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee was the celebrant at a Mass for the induction of new members and the installation of officers of the Serra Club of Northeast Nashville.
During the Mass on August 26th, Bishop Spalding inducted the new members. Next, Dr. Anne D. Roat, President of the United States Council of Serra International installed the officers. During the dinner and reception following Mass, Dr. Roat and Gene Gillespie, District Governor of Tennessee, presented President Mike Martini with the official charter.
With eighty-four new members, this is a record for number of Serrans in a new club at the time of its chartering. In addition, this is the third club to be chartered in the Diocese of Nashville within a span of seven months. Currently there are five Serra Clubs in the Diocese and in the United States there are now 8,050 Serrans in 190 clubs.
This newest Serra Club will truly be a place for club members to learn and grow as Catholics and promote, foster, and help preserve vocations to the priesthood and religious life and thus fulfill their vocation to service. Congratulations, Serra Club of Northeast Nashville!
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PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
Oh, Jesus, Good Shepherd! Deign to look with eyes of mercy upon this portion of your beloved flock.
Lord, raise up in your Church priestly, consecrated, and lay vocations to spread your kingdom.
We ask this through the Immaculate Virgin Mary of Guadalupe,
Your sweet and Holy Mother.
Oh Jesus! Give us vocations according to your heart.
Amen.
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