Message from SI

Leadership

Dear Serrans,

In recently attending the Serra International Convention in New Orleans, I was impressed by the numbers of people attending from the UK, Nigeria, Australia, the Philippines, Italy, USA, Canada and more, and realized once again how truly international the Serra organization is! We learned about the tremendous amount of work that is being done to reinvigorate some Councils and about the wonderful work of the Membership committee in its attempts to form new ones. It is a great honor to be involved in such a movement, and I look forward to working with the Serra International Board to further its forward-looking momentum.

A newly received letter from the Dicastery for the Clergy formally recognizes Serra and its mission. The Prefect, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, invokes God’s blessing on Serra, its members and mission, and “…entrusts its furtherance to the Blessed Virgin Mary.” This significant letter will add to our momentum, inspiring more people to be part of our organization and assuring Bishops that Serra Clubs are needed in every diocese! This special recognition from the Dicastery will become an important tool for developing our strategic plan.

I believe we are in a period of growth in Serra. As far as spiritual growth is concerned, let’s face it: we’re never ‘there,’ but always on the journey. There is always more we can do to develop our relationship with God, and our Serra programs can help us do that. Whether it be retreats studying the life of St. Junipero Serra or other saintly figures, Holy Hours in our local parish to which we can invite non-Serrans, joining the Global Serra Rosary monthly or listening to spiritual leaders in our community at our meetings, our programs can engender great potential to grow as individuals and as members of our Clubs. The Club that prays together, stays together?

Communications work is vitally important for sharing information in and beyond Serra, and for helping us realize that we belong to something important and purposeful: our mission is necessary and valuable. The new Serra Connects is an excellent example of good communications. It brings us news from around the globe to inform us of other Serran activities and perhaps inspire us to practise them in our own area. Who knows – the idea your Club develops might be picked up enthusiastically by another Club or even another Council!

I look forward to working with the SI Board and with you all this year and hope you will contact us if you have concerns or suggestions. We will listen.

For the good of Serra – every day!

St. Junipero Serra, pray for us!

Dr. Moira McQueen,

President, Serra International

SERRA INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

From the Serra International Chicago Office:

Since Serra’s founding in 1935, the work of Serra has always relied on the dedication of lay volunteers. Serra’s dedication to promoting vocations, providing resources to Serrans world-wide, and bringing Catholics together to connect is a feat that requires constant attention, observation, innovation, and motivation. Recognizing the importance of supporting the Serra community to thrive and grow, Serra International hired Harry J. O’Haire in 1947 as the first Executive Secretary. He was responsible for supervising the office staff, coordinating the publication of Serra materials, and assisting the Serra Boards, District Governors, and Serra Clubs in performing their vital work for vocation. 

The structure of Serra closely mirrors the organization of the Church, both on an operational and functional level. While the International Board oversees Serra’s global activities and structures, Serra Clubs perform the work of Serra at the parish and diocesan level. Each part of Serra’s organizational structure embodies and supports the work of Serra Clubs.

The International Office is overseen by John Liston, Executive Director of Serra International, who has been with Serra since 1999.

Our dedicated Administrative Assistant, Ms. Giovana Garcia helps coordinate much of the communication in our Serra office as her responsibilities delve into assisting inquiries from Serrans worldwide, maintaining and helping with ClubExpress, handling new paperwork, filing systems, and so much more to help the daily operations of the Serra office and the Serran Communities.

The Serra office could not run as smoothly if it were not for our amazing Membership Coordinator, Ms. Barbara Luster, who ensures that we have constant and clear communication with many of the Serran members. Ms. Luster’s daily duties also include reviewing club statuses, assisting clubs with upcoming promotional efforts, membership drives, orientation of new officers, and providing tools and references for all Serrans.

And lastly, the Serra Office has recently welcomed Ms. Iryna Klishch as the new Operations Manager. Ms. Klishch’s role involves working directly with John Liston, and executing ideas in creative, collaborative ways that meet the needs of each Serran. Although still new to her role, Ms. Klishch has learned so much about the important work that Serra does and hopes that she can aid and assist both the Serra office and Serra International itself.

Our dedicated Chicago staff provides a source of continuity for Serrans, the Holy See, and the Episcopal Conference to contact. The office prepares reports for the Dicastery for the Clergy and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocation to ensure that the hierarchy of the Church knows of the great things Serra Clubs are doing globally. This not only maintains Serra’s standing within the church but also encourages more bishops to support their own Serra Clubs or welcome Serra into their dioceses.



Additionally, the office maintains historical records of Serra’s activities. Our history is often just as important as our future, for without a steady understanding of our leaders, ideas, and beliefs; we cannot move forward in a meaningful way. With this in mind, Chicago’s office is excited to share inspiring glimpses into the history of our apostolate across social media platforms. As we discover and explore Serra’s story together, we invite you to follow us on this historical journey and look forward to celebrating Serra’s 90-year anniversary at the Serra International Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A., June 26-29, 2025.

SERRA SPOTLIGHT

Serra Club of Hong Kong S.A.R.

Serra Spotlight: Mother’s Day 2024

Serra Club of Hong Kong always looks forward to hosting a Mother’s Day luncheon for the religious sisters of Hong Kong. This event, which is also our flagship project and very familiar to the sisters of different orders in Hong Kong, is an annual gathering since 2005. Of those 19 years, it was halted for the last four due to city unrest and global pandemic. In the early years, this event was held in the evening but later changed to a luncheon due to popular demand. The title for this event came about as it was held near Mother’s Day and what is more appropriate than to celebrate this day with the sisters as our guests. They are like spiritual mothers to us. We feel this is a small way to show our gratitude and appreciation to all the religious sisters for their devotion to the Church and to the people they serve.

It is never easy for the sisters from various orders in Hong Kong to gather under the same roof for an event other than Church related. This is a rare opportunity for them to meet socially, to catch up with one another, to listen to the guest speaker(s) on medical or social issues, and last but not least to relax and have some fun in the process. To spice up the event further, there are table prizes and a lucky draw before the luncheon ends. As always though, the highlight of the day is to meet and chat with the Cardinal of Hong Kong who would always find time to attend this event. 

For this event to go smoothly, the organizing committee works closely with the president of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in Hong Kong. After a date and time are confirmed, the president will inform all the religious orders in Hong Kong. Depending on the size of the order, the number of confirmations ranged from one nun to sometimes 12 or more from some orders. The turnout is usually impressive. One year we entertained 150 sisters.

This year, the association took on an active role in selecting two medical doctors as speakers to discuss health issues concerning Conditions associated with Degenerative Cognitive Impairment and Common Hearing Problems Among The Elderly prior to the luncheon. The event started at 9:30am and ended at 2:30pm at a private club.

The art of hosting a successful luncheon requires a dedicated team of Serrans who worked tirelessly to make sure this Mother’s Day event was a fun and memorable one. Hence, the work behind the scenes is worth mentioning. The organizing committee worked relentlessly from negotiating with the club on venue access to creating a lunch menu. While members sort out donations received either in the form of goods or cash, they also have to arrange gifts appropriate for the nuns and the occasion. Seating arrangements is another carefully thought through process. Pairing religious orders at the same table is no easy task. One to two Serrans are usually assigned to each table to assist the nuns. 

Over 130 religious sisters from 23 orders in Hong Kong attended the event this past May, including Cardinal John Tong and Msgr. José Luis Diaz Mariblanca Sanchez of Holy See Study Mission Hong Kong as our VIP guests. This is a happy occasion for the sisters. They were able to connect with other sisters they haven’t seen in a long time. Also an opportunity to learn more from the medical professionals on issues relating to aging, which is a common concern. The Mother’s Day event is always praised by all participants who on leaving the club feel good and “cared for”.

Post-event, the association wrote an article in the Sunday Examiner (a newsletter from the diocese) praising the work of Serra Club of Hong Kong. We are blessed to be given the opportunity to host for our spiritual mothers. Until next year…. praise be to God! 



SERRA NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

BRAZIL

SERRA EXPANSION IN BRAZIL

A new Serra Club is in formation in the city of Jaguare, region ES. The club’s name will be Saint John Paul II. In the picture below we can see Father Denner, the ecclesiastical assistant, the President Maria do Carmo Silva, Edgard Pimentel, representing the national council, and Zeila Brito, the region coordinator.

That’s very impressive and important since during the pandemic many Serra clubs suspended their activities.

In some clubs, due to the advanced age of memberships, no longer held their meetings and therefore returned to their day to day activities.



The Brazilian Council is trying hard to reach out to those members and encourage the members to return.

The council's recent targets are to:

·      invite new members for existing clubs

·      create new Serra clubs



Always Forward!!

Great Britain

Senior Schools Programs

We have reached that time of the year when our focus is turned to our senior schools events. Students generally from our sixth years, from several schools throughout our city, having completed their final exams and applying for university, college etc. They are considering their future careers. It is a difficult time for these young people making choices.

They spend some time in the company of our religious guests, diocesan priests and brothers and sisters from religious orders. There is an opportunity for the students to engage with our guests asking questions about their work and vocation choices. The object of this program is not to badger or harass the students but hopefully just plant the seed or notion of a religious vocation as their lifestyle choice.

The one day program finishes with our vocations mass. We of course keep them in our prayers at this difficult time in their lives.

Our traveling vocations team comprises of priests from dioceses, religious orders and sisters and brothers with teachers and of course our Serran's.

Canada

Seminarians return to St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto and take up residence in Serra House.

The revitalization process began in 2017, involving demolishing a deteriorated section at the rear of Serra House. Re-opening in August 2023, Serra House invites its newest class for fall and winter studies.

The restoration of Serra House was made possible through the generous contributions of donors who support the Seminary and its mission, offering both financial support and heartfelt prayers.

The unique location and the smaller design of Serra House are meant to foster a greater sense of fraternity and community life. Its location downtown is also ideal for seminarians working on an undergraduate degree.



This downtown location will accommodate seminarians during the discipleship stage of formation (philosophy and undergraduate studies). All men residing at Serra House are considered full time seminarians and receive a complete formation program dedicated to the diocesan priesthood.

Paraguay

Friendship Day

On Sunday, July 21, members of the Serra Clubs of Paraguay participated in a beautiful gathering at the Paraguayan Air Force Officers' Club. We came together to celebrate Friendship Day, a fundamental pillar of our Movement.

It was a joyful reunion filled with emotions, long hugs, exchanged greetings, and shared experiences. The Chaplain of the Serra Castrense, Father Carlos Miranda, blessed the food and emphasized the importance of always remaining united and to strengthen one another. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, making the most of an exceptional day.

“Friendship comes from God, and to Him it must return… how wonderful it is to know how to LOVE.” It is an essential pillar of the Serra International apostolate. It unites us, strengthens us, and drives us to serve with love and dedication. By cultivating authentic relationships among ourselves, we create a fertile environment for spiritual growth and the flourishing of vocations. Let us continue working together on this beautiful path of faith and friendship, always with an eye toward serving God and supporting one another.



Saint Junípero Serra, pray for us.

MACAU S.A.R.

Priestly Ordination

The Catholic Diocese of Macau celebrated the priestly ordination of Br Chan Pak Lam Bosco and Br Adriano Serro Agostinho on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Igreja da Sé Catedral Macau. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Stephen Lee, and concelebrated by 60 priests from various churches. More than 800 people attended. Refreshments and photo taking were arranged after Mass.

In the evening, a special banquet hosted 400 guests was held in a Chinese restaurant. This offered another opportunity for the two new priests to share the joy with their family, friends and parishioners. Representatives from local churches and communities as well as clergy from Hong Kong were in attendance.

On the following day, the two new priests separately celebrated their first Mass in Chinese and Portuguese, respectively.

Serra Club of Macau was honored to assist with the entire celebration which included photo and video shooting, printing tickets for dinner, organizing the post-Mass tea reception, as well as arranging the evening banquet.

Incidentally, Fr. Chan and Fr. Agostinho are the first two priests ordained from St. Joseph’s Seminary since its reopening in 2017. Sixty years ago today, two priests with the same last name were also ordained.

Everything is for the glory of God.

Serra Club of Thailand 

Serra Council of Thailand Conference of the 2024-2025 term 

August 10-11, 2024, at Baan Phuawan Pastoral Center, Archdiocese of Bangkok. 

The conference commenced with a Eucharistic celebration at Lux Mundi (Saengtham) Seminary, commemorating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the ordination of deacons, the appointment of acolytes and lectors, and the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Thai Mission to Blessed Virgin Mary were celebrated by Bishop Stephen Boonlert Phromsena, Bishop of Ubon Ratchathani Diocese, and numerous bishops, priests, religious, and laity from all 11 dioceses across the country.

After the celebration, the Council members convened at the Joseph Nitayo meeting room, Baan Phuawan, Council President Mr. Naruchai Senangnart was joined by the Rector of Lux Mundi (Saengtham) Seminary, Fr. Peter Chettha Chaiyadet, as the Council Chaplain, Fr. Pairot Ketrat, Chaplain of District 140, Fr. Krisada Sukkhapat, Chaplain of District 172, and over 100 Serra members from District 140, 172, and 194. 

On August 11, we listened to a special keynote speaker by Dr. Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, the Council Advisor, on the topic of Synodality for the Serra Mission. The closing Mass Ceremony at Saint Michael Chapel, newly elected President, Executive Council Committee, District Governers, and Group Leaders took their oaths of office.

Serra Thailand always forward, never back.

Serra Club Sydney Australia – Serra Council of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Visit to the Seminary of the Good Shepherd by Canberra and North Shore Sydney Clubs.

Each year in August our Canberra and North Shore Clubs visit the Seminary in Homebush Sydney.

On August 11, 2024, 22 members and guests (including 4 young men discerning their vocations) were privileged to participate in Morning Prayers with the 40 Seminarians and staff of the Seminary. As usual, it was most uplifting time for us all. The singing was outstanding and the playing of the organ was exceptional. Following the prayers, the Seminarians provided us with a tour of the gardens and the main Seminary buildings.

Spiritual Director Father John Armstrong celebrated Mass with Rector Father Michael de Stoop and Vice Rector Father Paul Durkin concelebrating. The Seminarians again excelled in their singing and organ playing. It was a beautiful celebration.



Lunch was served around 11:30 am where we had the opportunity to meet with the Seminarians who are the future of the Church, over a great meal and a glass of wine or juice. After dinner, Seminarian Huy welcomed us to the Seminary with responses from Serrans John Smith and Terry Scanlan. In conclusion, Father Michael thanked us for our attendance and encouraged all the Seminarians when returning to their Arch/Dioceses to support us in our mission.

It was another wonderful experience.

Serra USA

Poster Contest

Our Serra Club in the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky, has been sponsoring Vocation Poster and Essay Contests with the Diocesan Vocation Office for many years.  The Poster Contest is for students in grades 4 through 6, while the Essay Contest is for grades 7 and 8. We normally kick off the contests during the Vocation Awareness Week in early November and wrap it up around the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in early February. This timeframe enables school teachers to use the posters and essays as art and religion class projects.

We provide a theme for the Poster Contest and a question or two to be answered for the Essay Contest. For the Essay Contests, the students are encouraged to interview people who have chosen a religious vocation. We always invite homeschooled and public-school students to participate.  

The Serra Club provides first, second, and third place cash prizes for both contests. We also give a cash prize to the teachers of first place winners. Finally, we invite all the winners, along with parents, teachers, principals, and pastors to one of our Serra Meeting luncheons to receive certificates and their cash prizes. Our local Catholic newspaper has also provided articles with the winners and their posters and essays. 

Serra Club of The Philippines

Busy Third Quarter!

1. Priest Affirmation 

As a grateful recognition of our priests who have been faithful in their vocation, the club hosted a lunch for all priests and gave a monetary gift as our simple way of saying THANK YOU !

2. Another meaningful activity is the Investiture of Discipleship for Year 3 Seminarians.."Investiture of the Cassock is a milestone for college seminarians.

3. Our Serrans attended the Feast day of Mother Mary, Queen of the Apostles. Fr. Marlon Pates, Rector of Queen of the Apostles, joined us at the College Seminary

4. Serrans participated in the Marian Pilgrimage by motorcade and the novena for Mother Mary in preparation for her birthday on September 8. All apostolates in Davao del Norte participated. The event was spearheaded by Diocesan Lay Apostolate Integrated Movement (DICLAIM).

Thank you and God Bless..

Serra Italy



“Seminarians in Music”

Announced the second edition of the SACRED MUSIC CONTEST organized by the Italian Serra council, encouraging seminarians from all Italian dioceses and various religious orders.

This initiative is intended to reward the efforts made by the young men and women in their formation to the priesthood and the consecrated life, to enhance their musical talents. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of sacred music as an integral part of the liturgy and as an element of participation of the faithful in the prayer. 

The first Sacred Music Contest was well attended by 25 seminaries from all over Italy.This years winner was the choir of seven seminarians from the Seminary of Genoa. You can listen by clicking on the button below.



The award ceremony was held in Rome at a meeting of the National Serra organization. Attending the meeting were Monsignor Marco Frisina, internationally renowned composer of sacred music and chairman of the contest jury, Cardinal Beniamino Stella Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy and episcopal advisor to the Italian Serra council, and the Director of the National Office for Vocations. In particular, Cardinal Stella brought Pope Francis' greeting and blessing to the seminarians and to all who attended this joyful and successful event.

Serra Mexico CA

Club Update

As a council, we’ve had the opportunity to live a great experience. One of our main objectives is to revise our programs to meet today's needs, to attract new members, and to continue working towards the current needs of the Church and the seminaries.

Therefore, we would like to first thank Msgr. Jorge C. Patrón Wong, our national episcopal advisor, who has worked with great dedication and love for Serra.

Monsignor Patrón has renewed the Serra Xalapa Club with younger members, who are already working to support the seminary and its immediate needs.

All of this took place on August 16, 2024, in a ceremony where the new members made the promise to pray and work for the seminaries and priests. We are very grateful for their commitment to this cause.

The event was attended by members of the National Council Mexico and Central America such as: the national president of the Serra Apostolate, the president-elect of Serra Mexico, the elected national VP of communication, and the representative to Serra International.

Additionally, we attended the Mass for the new school year of the Minor Seminary and the renewal ceremony of the Serra Xalapa Apostolate.

All vocations came together in the great work of the Church, which is prayer and the promotion of priestly vocations, as well as consecrated and lay life.

At Serra Mexico Central America we want to renew ourselves to continue working for vocations, as St. Junipero Serra taught us: “always forward, never backward”.

Serra India

REPORT FROM SERRA BANGALORE, INDIA

In the month of July, the Serrans conducted a series of presentations at ST. CHARLES HIGH SCHOOL and JUNIOR COLLEGE at their various locations across Bangalore. The need to pray and discern God’s plan was emphasised upon. The students were also told about the need to pray for vocations for themselves and/or any other members of their families or friends. 

They were shown the video LEAVE YOUR BOATS AND FOLLOW ME. The nuns from their schools shared their testimonies as to how they decided to join the Religions order. A couple of students showed interest in joining the Religious order. We will pray for them.

The annual Scripture Quiz conducted by SERRA Bangalore is one of the major events in our calendar of activities. The main aim of this day long program is to encourage the children to familiarise themselves with the Word of God.

We resumed in 2022 after a break of 2 years and the competition is only getting stiffer as the students come so well prepared. This year we had 50 teams from the SSLC and ICSE/CBSE curriculum who took part. 

Fr. Satish Arokyaswamy, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore Archdiocese, spoke to the participants and emphasised the importance and the need to imbibe the Word of God. He was very appreciative of the efforts made by SERRA BANGALORE in conducting this Scripture Quiz annually. 

Sr. Margurita of the Congregation of St. Charles Borromeo shared her testimony and call, to join the Religious Order. She taught the students Action Songs and made the session very interesting. 

The Quiz is always conducted on the 1^st Saturday of August and is open to all catholic students from standards 8 to 10. To enhance participation, students from the SSLC and ICSE/CBSE are judged separately. Each school can send upto a maximum of 3 teams consisting of 3 students in each team. The portions are sent out well in advance to encourage maximum participation and preparation. There are plenty of spot prizes to be won at each stage of the quiz. The portions have to be studied from the NRSV bible only. 

The portions for the quiz this year were :

a)    Book of Sirach

b)    The letter of Paul to the Galatians

c)    The letter of Paul to the Ephesians

d)    The letter of Paul to Phillipians

e)    The letter of Paul to the Colossians

f)     The first and second letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

This year there were 24 teams from ICSE/CBSE and 26 teams from SSLC making a total of 150 students. 

Serra Nigeria

Serra Club of KETU



It was a spiritually fulfilling experience on September 1, 2024, as the Governor of Serra International District 130-B Serran Oluwasegun Anjorin and his team visited Serra Club of KETU to introduce the SERRA INVITATION COINS and the TRAVELING CRUCIFIX PROGRAM.

The first stage of the program was the presentation of two SERRA INVITATION COINS to the Sisters of the Parish, to be used in inviting two potential girls to consider embracing religious life.

Next was the presentation of the Traveling Crucifix to the Parish Priest, who then presented it to the first of the four families that will kick start the program in the parish.

The four families will engage in praying for an increase in vocations on a rotation basis weekly during the month of September 2024. 

The third stage was a special prayer for the Priests. Parishioners came out en masse during the Mass to embrace the idea of picking the name of a priest or religious from Archdiocese of Lagos and pray for such person for the next seven days.

The traveling Crucifix program is one of the initiatives of Serra International to get more lay faithful engaged in prayers for an increase in vocations and for perseverance of vocations in Catholic parishes, Schools and communities as stipulated in documents of the Vatican Council II.

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

Dear Lord, we come before you with hearts filled with love, adoration, and gratitude. We humbly ask for your forgiveness, as we seek to align our lives with your will. We pray for the conversion of souls, that more may come to know and embrace the Catholic faith. May there be an increase in the number of practicing Catholics, strengthening the foundation of our Church. We also pray for more sacramental marriages and the formation of good, holy families, that they may contribute to the growth and vitality of your Church, and answer the call to the ordained and consecrated vocations. Guide us, Lord, as we strive to be faithful servants, and may your grace empower us to fulfill your purpose in our lives.