By Rachel Balducci
In his Saturday morning address at the 2024 Serra International Convention in New Orleans, Cardinal Thomas Collins spoke about the importance of Christian joy in our ministry. He shared about a teacher who visited the sick every afternoon, and how that deeply inspired him as a boy.
“This really impressed me,” said Cardinal Collins. “And the joyful spirit — deep within him was a joyful spirit. I wanted to be like him.”
Cardinal Collins stressed that this deep joy does not come from personality, but from a profound faith and a profound trust in the hand of God. “Here,” said the Cardinal, pointing to the crucifix, “is the source of our salvation, here is the source of our joy.”
Cardinal Collins referred to Isaiah 12:3 telling us to draw waters joyfully from the wells of salvation. “If we are going to find joy, which is of God, we need to find oases.” He reminded us that we must seek sources of evangelical joy, the good news, because what is false never brings us joy.
The four-day convention featured presentations by Cardinal Collins, along with a welcoming address by Rev. Colm Cahill and words of encouragement from Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, Rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Fr. Rodrigue shared about seminary formation, and encouraged Serrans not to downplay their role in vocation work. “You are not just praying but also speaking,” said Fr. Rodrigue.
Serra International President Moira McQueen talked about Strategic Planning Vision 2035, whose three main goals include becoming recognized as the worldwide resource for supporting vocations; increasing awareness of Serra; and improving local engagement at the parish level. She added that it is a carefully detailed plan of action. “It’s not just the plan itself, but what the plan is meant to do,” said President McQueen, ending with a line from Bob Marley, “Some people have hopes and dreams, some have ways and means.”
At Mass Friday evening, Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans gave the homily and encouraged Serrans to always seek the voice of the Lord in all we do. “God always speaks that invitation quietly to the heart,” he said, “We all share in the ministry of vocations.” The archbishop added that we need to be like Eli, teaching others to say “speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” He also encouraged Serrans to continue the good work of encouraging vocations. “We appreciate what you do and what you stand for. Your place in the church as Serrans is important and very necessary. You point to Jesus, who says to others, ‘Come follow me.’”
