SC 2026 JAN EDITION 7 ENGLISH FINAL 1 12 26

January 2026, 7th Edition

Message from SI Leadership

A View on 2026

A new year has just begun, in the new Light that Christmas always brings us, and under the sign of the Hope bestowed upon us by the past Jubilee Year. My wish for all Serrans around the world is to live an active and operative Hope, as we are all called to contribute - each doing our part - to create a more open and synodal humanity.

2025 has been a particularly difficult year, marked by atrocious and unacceptable wars and devastating climatic events that have severely tested the populations of many regions. In some of these, our Serra is present: let us think of Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand, without forgetting the difficult situation in which Nigeria finds itself today. Let us carry in our hearts and in our prayers all the dear Serrans who live in these sorely tried regions.

Giving thanks to the Lord, 2025 has also been a year of grace for the Church, particularly for the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us with the election of Holy Father Leo XIV, the first American pope in history.

A year of grace also for Serra, which celebrated the ninetieth anniversary of the birth of Serra International in Seattle, a reminder of our origins and a confirmation of the relevance and importance of our movement.

As Christians and as Serrans, we too can contribute to Hope in a better world. However, it is important to know how to adapt our actions - aimed at promoting and supporting new Vocations - to the new challenges that this world continually presents to us. The Holy Father insistently reminds us that the Church needs synodality, which requires, on our part as well, great openness to everyone through dialogue and collaboration with the surrounding world, in full harmony among us laypeople, priests, and consecrated persons. Significant in this regard has been the presence of laypeople at the recent Synod of Bishops.

In the first six months of my service as President of Serra International, I had the joy of visiting several clubs in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Paraguay, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. In all of them, I have noticed remarkable dynamism throughout the different clubs, each with its own style and programs, but all working toward Serra’s common mission with admirable commitment and enthusiasm. The opening of several clubs - new or in the process of formation - is also an encouraging sign of the usefulness and uniqueness of Serra, the only lay association in the world dedicated to vocations, and for this reason recognized and aggregated to the Dicastery for the Clergy in the Vatican.

I would love to visit all the Serra clubs on the different continents, but unfortunately, this is not physically possible in one year. However, I would like you to know that I hold every Serra club in my heart, wherever it may be in the world.

I would like to add another wish for this new year of renewed hope. Let us do everything possible to communicate our experiences to one another, because we are part of a large and beautiful family, not only locally, but also nationally and internationally. Sharing helps feeling united by that common denominator that manifests itself in praying for vocations and loving priests and consecrated persons, who, in turn, appreciate our closeness and support.

I take this opportunity to thank all of you Serrans around the world for your wholehearted dedication to the Serra cause.

Always Forward! and, “May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts” (St Paul to the Colossians 3).

Emanuele Costa

President, Serra International

Message from Chicago

Small but Mighty: Serra Headquarters Staff Finish a Very Productive Year

The year may be winding down to its end, but the staff at Serra International headquarters in Chicago is as busy as ever.

Executive Director John Liston’s extensive Serra travel calendar brought him to all across the United States in the past couple of months, from Cincinnati, Ohio, for the Great Lakes Serra Regional Conference; to Baltimore, Maryland, for the annual United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting; to Lincoln, Nebraska, for that club’s 70th anniversary; to Fort Worth, Texas, for a meeting planners conference and a visit with area Serrans. Then it was back to Chicago for the Serra International Foundation Board meeting in early December. At his desk or on the road, John guides the staff daily and is the main conduit of communication between them and Serra leaders around the world.

Speaking of the Foundation Board meeting, it was the first one for its new Director of Development Paul Slomski, who joined the Chicago staff in August. Paul’s work in this position has raised visibility for the Foundation, and it’s no coincidence that donations have been up this year. You can donate by going to the Serra International Web Site and clicking on The Serra Foundation.

When she is not on the phone connecting with clubs around the US to get a pulse on their membership needs or coordinating the shipments of our two traveling monstrances, Membership Coordinator Barbara Luster works her magic daily to edit and produce videos of various Serra events, preserving the insights of experts and speakers for years to come. Subscribe to Serra’s YouTube channel to find a treasure trove of videos. As 2025 draws to a close, she is preparing a “Serra Around the World” video Christmas greeting – stay tuned!

Administrative Assistant Giovana Rodriguez Garcia’s daily tasks, especially at the close of the year, tick up as Foundation donations roll in, registrations for the Serra Rally are confirmed, and dues invoices are processed. Giovana represented the Serra staff at the late November North Central Regional Fall Meeting and Retreat in Buffalo, Minnesota, where she gave a presentation on ClubExpress.

In October and November, Communications Director Anne McCormack edited and produced two back-to-back issues of The Serran Magazine. The November issue focuses on the worldwide impact of the Serra International Foundation, featuring stories of grant recipients from around the world. She also created the 2026 Vocations Wall Calendar, including Catholic feast days, solemnities, and vocations events. Currently, she’s working closely with Serrans to prepare materials for the Serra Leadership Rally and the SEEK26 conference, both happening this January. She also brought Serra’s social media back to life on Facebook and Instagram; please follow us there if you don’t already!

SERRA SPOTLIGHT

Serra Club of Macau S.A.R.

City of the Holy Name of God - Macau

Macau is a unique city in the Far East, it is a small but highly populated city. During Macau’s Portuguese era, the Catholic Diocese of Macau, established in 1576, served as a hub for Catholic missionary who worked in the Far East. Initially, its jurisdiction covered regions including China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, functioning as a vital missionary base and had nurtured many priests, deacons, seminarians, and others.

Operating under the Portuguese Padroado (Patronage System) and the Holy See, the diocese experienced its early prosperity before undergoing gradual transformation; after 1908, its jurisdiction was reduced, and eventually it only focused on Macau, making significant contributions to education and social services. Today, the Diocese of Macau is dedicated to overseeing nine parishes in the city. It also covers a number of schools and social service institutions in the metropolis. The Seminary and Church of St. Joseph has been inscribed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring the diocese’s historical significance.

Ruins of St. Paul’s, the most iconic landmark in Macau traces its origin to the Church of St. Paul, an affiliate of the College of St. Paul founded by Catholic Jesuits in 1594 (closed in 1762). As East Asia and China’s first Western-style church university, the college had Grammar, Humanities and Moral Theology departments, training missionaries for mainland China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and beyond, and stood as a key missionary training base in East Asia. Martyrs’ remains rest beneath the ruins.

The Church of St. Paul, once the Jesuits’ grandest church in Macau and East Asia, was largely completed in 1603. Work on its front facade (today’s Ruins of St. Paul’s) started in 1608, finished in 1637–1640, and its carvings and statues were finalized in 1644. A major fire in 1835 destroyed the college and church, leaving only the front facade, partial foundation and stone steps.

As time passed, the formation work of the Macau Diocese could no longer keep up with the pace of urban development. Therefore, in line with its core purpose, the establishment of the Macau Serra Club aims to assist the diocese in promoting priestly vocations, advocating, propagating, and encouraging young people with aspirations to enter the priesthood, as well as arousing the respect, love, and gratitude of the faithful towards the clergy and the religious.

Macau Serra Club was founded in 1977. At that time, the Catholic Diocese of Macau had only minimal seminarians for many years. With the assistance of Hong Kong Serra Club, it was approved by Serra International in 1978 and was provided with a district code 90 and certification number 485. During the past 50 years since 1977, we have had a total of 5 Chaplains: The Most Reverend Late Bishop D. Domingos Lam; Late Fr Thomas Mcintyre, SJ; Retired Bishop D. Jose Lai; Late Fr Antonio Tam, SJ; and our current chaplain Fr Domingos Un. In year 2027-2028, Serra Club Macau will celebrate its 50th anniversary of club’s charter. Preparation work is underway with Thanksgiving Mass and other activities.

Macau is indeed a small city; there is only one diocese and one Serra Club with 21 members currently. As Macau is located in the southeastern part of China, naturally the clergy and vocation candidates served by Serra Club Macau are mainly of Chinese origin. However, due to Macau’s multiculturalism, the Diocese of Macau also has clergy from neighbouring countries, including South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam. As the club’s work develops, Serra Club Macau actively recruit members, promote the club’s threefold mission, introduce our patron saint to parishioners, and encourage them to pray for vocations. Visits to retired priests and nuns are scheduled on a regular basis.

The club assisted in organizing the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in May. Additionally it also explore the use of new media platforms for interviewing priests and nuns, sharing their vocational journeys, how they listen to and accept God’s call, and their attitudes when making those decisions. In addition to the above activities, we will also launch the 31 Club vocational prayer, visit parishioners and altar server groups in various parishes, meet with the Diocesan Vocational Commission to exchange views on vocational work, and assist the diocese in holding a series of activities to celebrate its 450th anniversary in 2026.

Though in the prosperous city of Macau, vocations are invaluable. Serra Club Macau will fully cooperate with the Diocese’s work, especially in vocation formation, praying for more shepherds and more young people to serve the Church.

Jesus tells His disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest". (Luke 10:2) Let’s pray for the intention of fostering vocations:

O God, Who wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live, grant we beseech You through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Saint Joseph, her spouse, Saint Junipero Serra, and all the saints, an increase of laborers for your Church, fellow laborers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

SERRA NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Serra Australasia

"CELEBRATION OF YOUR VOCATION” CHRISTMAS DINNER

SERRA CLUB OF NORTH SHORE SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

On Friday 28th November 2025 our Club held its 14th Annual “Celebration of Your Vocation” Christmas Dinner at Magpies Club Waitara. Our Bishop Anthony Randazzo, the formation staff of the Good Shepherd Seminary, all retired bishops, priests, retired priests, deacons, retired deacons, sisters and brothers, seminarians and those who are discerning their vocations were invited.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome from President, Terry Scanlan followed by Grace by our Chaplain Father Aldrin Valdehueza.

A buffet dinner was provided for our 72 guests made up of 37 with a Church vocation and 35 Serrans and their guests. It was a most enjoyable occasion.

Following the main course, our guest speaker, Hamish Lavery, who is the youth minister at Our Lady of Dolours Parish Chatswood spoke about his current activities and plans for attracting young people back to the Church. His comments were well received and provided food for thought for many in attendance.

Our Diocese has 3 new seminarians identified for the Seminary for 2026 with 2 more scheduled for 2027. There are also 14 young men who are currently discerning their vocations. The future looks encouraging.

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and wonderful 2026.

Serra Brazil

Activities in Brazilian Clubs

The clubs in the Brazilian Serra carry out numerous activities, always fulfilling the charism of the Serra Movement: ‘To pray and work for priestly and religious vocations’. Some of these clubs stand out, both for the number of members, as is the case of the Mineiros Club (GO), Western Region, and the Palmas Club (PR), Southern Region, of which we attach photographs. The Mineiros Club has as its Ecclesiastical Assistant the Benedictine Monk Dom Thiago Ferreira Silva, OSB, a holy man, and in the presidency is Sister Neusa Barros Rodrigues Silva. She is the Governor of District 161, to which Sister Maria das Graças Silva Moraes belongs.

Serra Canada

A Celebration of Faith and Fellowship: Serra Canada District 1 Fall Conference

The recent Serra Canada District One Fall Conference, held at Our Lady of the Scapular Parish, brought together a vibrant community of faith leaders, parishioners, and supporters from across the Niagara region. Led by the Serra Club of St. Catharines, the conference welcomed attendees with warmth and enthusiasm, reflecting Serra International’s commitment to fostering vocations and strengthening parish life.

The day began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerard Paul Bergie, followed by inspiring talks from local priests, religious sisters, and seminarians. Participants enjoyed opportunities to network, share ideas, and learn from one another, with sessions focused on service, vocation, and community outreach. The conference’s theme, “Serrans: Serving God Through Vocations,” resonated throughout the program, encouraging attendees to support one another in their spiritual journeys.

From engaging presentations to moments of prayer and reflection, the event showcased the Serra Club’s dedication to building a welcoming, supportive environment for all. The conference concluded with a communal dinner, leaving participants inspired and united in their mission to serve God and their community.

Serra Great Britain

28 or 31

31 Clubs are well known to Serra using a birthday date or other as a reminder to offer, a monthly Mass for our priests, sisters, brothers and deacons who have served or are serving in our parishes, and that future church vocations will be forthcoming from the parish community.

The 31clubs are not new to Serra. Historically, they were developed in Australia or New Zealand some 50+ years ago, but they still remain worthy and important as vocations promotion tools. However, parishioners may move or leave the parish. We require therefore to revisit and renew this programme frequently.

Our clubs in Great Britain offer calendars and prayer cards to parishes supporting this programme.

What is new is our primary school “28 Club” programme of prayers for Vocations.

The programme, developed by one of Primary Schools, in conjunction with our local Serrans have created prayers for vocations used at assembly by each year of the 7 years of primary classes, each class taking one of the 4 weeks of the month and lead the prayers for vocations. This is a time and opportunity to introduce that divine possibility of vocation in the minds of our young people.

It is our hope, that a little, assembly prayer programme be adopted by other schools in our city and country.

Young people are our Church of today.

Serra Hong Kong S.A.R.

Vocation Ministry Workshop

Serra Club of Hong Kong participated in a series of workshops organized by the Diocesan Vocation Commission in September which highlighted the importance of shared responsibilities and collaboration among various ministries in promoting vocations. The event also aimed at exchanging effective strategies and pastoral approaches for accompanying and guiding those discerning their vocation in life.

The workshops featured a visiting team of vocation promoters from the Philippines. Fr. Randy de Jesus, Salesian Fr. Jayson David and Sister Cheryl Ebarial who shared their rich experiences and practical insights. Each speaker presented inspiring success stories, challenges and creative solutions drawn from their ministry in vocation promotion.

Key topics discussed included pastoral care for young people, ways to foster a culture of vocation within communities, the effective use of social communication in vocation promotion, and the value of collaboration among different Church organizations.

The workshops gathered participants from various religious congregations, diocesan institutions, and pastoral sectors who actively contributed by sharing their experiences and best practices.

The workshops were supported by Serrans with simultaneous interpretation, photos taking and videos recording.

The three-day workshop concluded with a Mass concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Ha, Fr. Randy, Fr. David and other priests.

Serra India

Serra Bangalore, India

Fr. Sandeep Menezes C.Ss.R took over as the Chaplain of Serra Bangalore, after the demise of Fr. Eric Rodrigues C.Ss.R. The installation ceremony was conducted by Auxiliary Bishop Arokia Raj Satis Kumar, at Paalana Bhavan.

The LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR, pray for vocations on the 1st and 16th of every month. The Serrans were invited to join them in prayer. A Mass for vocations was followed by Adoration and a Rosary procession with the sisters and the inmates, within their premises. The Serrans were also privileged to venerate the Jubilee Cross.

In November a mass was offered for the departed members of Serra and their families. The newly established clubs in Tamil Nadu and Goa, have conducted various vocation promotion programs viz., Altar Servers Camps, praying the Rosary, having Adoration and Prayer Meetings, celebrating Eucharist on the Feast of St. Junipero Serra, All Souls Day, raising funds for Mission Sunday, etc.

We concluded our activities for the year with an Advent Recollection for the members, their families and friends.

Serra Italy

The common thread of Serra Clubs Italy is "peace"

Walking together is one of the characteristics of a community, feeling part of one big family: the Serra family. Serra clubs in Italy have a common thread that binds them together each year around a topic identified by the National President. The theme becomes the central point around which reflections and debates are developed, with the presence of expert speakers who attract the attention of a wider audience. Reported in the local and national news, they are a positive message that reflects the Serra spirit and become a kaleidoscope in which each club contributes its knowledge and research.

'Everyone says peace, but there is no peace' (Jer. 8:11) is the topic that our President Mariuccia Lo Presti has proposed for the current social year, echoing the first words of Pope Leo XIV. The world needs peace: inner peace, peace in the family, brotherhood, the silence of arms... Many talk about peace... write about peace... but do not think about peace. Building peace is a difficult task; it needs a great deal of patience, humility, forgiveness and prayer. It needs people of good will. Following this thread, the Serrans of Italy rediscover the value of a word that is often trivialised and abused, but which is in fact the founding word of every society. In the light of Christmas, we look to the future with hope and pray for peace.

Serra Mexico and Central America

Serra Juvenil Mérida in Formation: A Mission Lived in Community

Being part of Serra Juvenil has been a deeply special gift for us. Here we have found a space where we walk together with a clear and meaningful purpose: to support, accompany, and promote priestly and religious vocations, joyfully living our own vocation as committed laypeople. Inspired by the example of Saint Junípero Serra, we learn each day to courageously say, “Always forward!” even when challenges arise along the way, trusting that God also works through our simplest actions.

In Serra Juvenil, we discover that prayer has meaning, that service transforms, and that friendship sustains. We grow spiritually, and at the same time we become instruments so that other young people and families can clearly hear God’s call and discover the dream He has for each one. We firmly believe that every vocation is a gift to the Church, and that all of us can help that seed be born, grow, and flourish.

To accompany, to listen, to pray, and to sow hope is what makes this mission an experience truly worth living. We feel deeply grateful as we see young people and families open their hearts to discernment; it is a gift that moves us to continue praying with even greater faith for all vocations. Being witnesses to how God’s grace shapes their lives fills us with hope.

Each encounter reminds us that a vocation is never lived alone: God guides the journey, and we have the joy of walking together as brothers and sisters. Their enthusiasm and faith inspire us to keep sowing with greater commitment and love.

Serra Mexico CA.

Serra Nigeria

District 130B Lays Foundation for Marian Grotto

St. Albert the Great Seminary, Abeokuta, marked a historic milestone on December 11, 2025, as it celebrated its 10th Anniversary with the laying of the foundation stone for a Marian Grotto, generously donated by Serra International District 130B.

The ceremony was graced by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, who emphasized the significance of the project in fostering vocations and deepening Marian devotion.

The Marian Grotto is envisioned as a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage, nurturing the spiritual growth of seminarians, clergy, and the Catholic faithful. The event was attended by prominent Serrans, priests, and representatives from various Serra Clubs, who gathered to witness this landmark occasion.

In his remarks, Archbishop Martins thanked Serrans of District 130B for their dedication to the Church and prayed for their generosity to be rewarded. District Governor Dr Oluwasegun Anjorin hailed the foundation laying as the birth of a spiritual home, where souls will find comfort and inspiration through the intercession of the Mother of Vocations.

Serra Paraguay

Visit of the President of Serra International to Paraguay

The recent trip of Oscar Costa, president of Serra International, accompanied by his wife Beatrice, was a real honor for the members of Serra in Paraguay. Their presence strengthened the ties between the organization and our seminarians.

During their visit, a pleasant meeting was held at the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Major Seminary, where ideas and experiences were exchanged with priests and seminarians. They also visited the San José de Caacupé Propaedeutic Major Seminary, sharing meaningful moments that inspired everyone present.

To conclude the visit, a dinner was held in their honor, where the visitors' remarks were very meaningful to everyone. We are deeply grateful to Oscar and Beatrice for their visit, which not only reaffirms Serra International's commitment to the formation and support of priestly vocations, but also leaves a lasting mark on our community.

Serra Philippines

Upholding Faith and Fellowship

Serra Club of Cotabato: Upholding Faith and Fellowship The Serra Club of Cotabato, dedicated to fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life, remains a dynamic pillar of the local Catholic community, marked by activities focused on service, prayer, and fraternity. The Club recently honored its elder members, the pillars of the Serra Club, through scheduled visitations to the old and sick Serrans. This act of respect underscores the Club's deep appreciation for their legacy and commitment.Spiritual nourishment took center stage with prayerful engagements.

On October 17, 2025, as part of the celebration of the Holy Rosary month, the members joined the JOMI seminarians in reciting the Holy Rosary, followed by a shared meal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support for the future priests. The commitment to vocations continued on October 18, 2025, with the Club’s active support for the Investiture and Family Day of the NDAS seminarians.

Remembering those who have passed, the Serrans gathered for the Traditional Mass for the deceased Serrans on November 2, 2025, a poignant tribute to their late brothers and sisters in Christ. The Club’s unwavering support to the missions of the Catholic Church of Cotabato did not go unnoticed. They were recently recognized by Archbishop Angelito Lampon, receiving a prestigious Plaque of Appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the Archdiocese.

Serra Taiwan

From Baptism to the Altar: A Journey of Vocation

From baptism to the altar, the life of Father Tsai Tsung-ying unfolds as a remarkable journey of grace. On November 22, the Serra Club of Taipei, moved with gratitude and tears, rejoiced at his priestly ordination. In the club’s fifty-year history, he is the first priest to be called from among its members, and thus this day bears special significance as a sign from God.

Born into a non-Catholic family, he entered a church nine years ago to receive the sacrament of Baptism, and since that moment has been serving quietly and faithfully in his parish, deepening his friendship with Christ. In the same year that he was ordained deacon, his mother also received Baptism at Easter, becoming his companion on the pilgrimage toward God.

During the Mass at which he was ordained priest, as the bishop laid hands upon him and the assembly entered into profound silence, he entrusted himself to the Lord again and recognized more fully that this path, though freely chosen, is a mission entrusted to him by God.

Today, we earnestly invite your prayers for Father Tsai and for an increase in priestly vocations throughout the world. May young people be encouraged to listen attentively to God’s call, and may the Church’s work in fostering vocations be strengthened by our faithful support.

Serra Thailand

Prayer for Vocation Bookmark

In Thailand, the local Church has designated the Feast of Christ the King as an additional Vocation Day, supplementing the World Day of Prayer for Vocations held on the fourth Sunday of Easter. This initiative reflects the Thai Church's growing concern over the decline in vocations observed in recent decades.

To address this trend, Serra Thailand, an organization involved in vocation promotion within the Church, has partnered with the Vocation Promotion Foundation. Their collaborative effort includes a fundraising activity aimed at supporting the operational needs of various seminaries nationwide.

This year, Serra introduced a specially designed bookmark for the campaign. It features a vocation promotion slogan and a Thai translation of Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer for Vocations. These bookmarks have been distributed to all Serra Clubs across the country. Members are tasked with ensuring their distribution to the faithful in their respective parishes. They are also asked to encourage prayers for vocations during the Mass, starting on this Feast Day. Furthermore, the faithful are encouraged to take the bookmarks home to continue their prayers.

The Serra Thailand Council views this bookmark as a modest but vital initial step towards strengthening vocation promotion efforts and praying for God to send more "laborers into His harvest".

Serra USA

Great Lakes Regional Conference

The U.S. Council of Serra International divides its members into nine regions, each encouraged to host their own annual gathering in addition to the national Leadership Rally. This year, the Great Lakes Region—covering Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio—gathered in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for its uplifting two-day event.

Friday evening began with a unique “Cathedral Crawl.” Serrans first visited the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky, a Gothic gem often called “America’s Notre Dame” for its stunning stained glass and architecture inspired by the Paris cathedral. They then crossed the river to Cincinnati’s Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, a majestic Greek Revival landmark known for its towering columns and historic significance.

Saturday’s program unfolded at Mount St. Mary Seminary and the Athenaeum of Ohio. The day featured many inspiring talks, beginning with the Archbishop of Cincinnati, the Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, who thanked Serrans for their vital vocation work.

While the speakers and sacred venues were highlights, participants agreed the most important aspect of the weekend were the friendships made and the new information gained to bring back to their local Serra Clubs.