One of the highlights of the 2025 Serra Rally in Miami was a visit to the Mother House of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Mother Adela Galindo, foundress of the order, delivered a powerful talk highlighting the role of Serrans as ‘Missionaries of Vocations.’
Mother Adela Galindo, foundress of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, delivered a stirring address to the crowd of Serrans gathered in Miami in January, noting that Serrans are called to be “Missionaries of Vocations” and emphasizing the urgent need to pray for priests and religious. Drawing from Jesus’ words in the Gospel, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” she made it clear that the mission of fostering vocations is not merely about filling seminaries but about responding to the love and compassion of Christ.
At the heart of her message was the conviction that prayer is the foundation of all vocations. She reminded the audience that before Christ sent out His disciples, He first called them to prayer.
“The first thing we need to do is pray that the Lord sends laborers,” she said. Rather than relying solely on human efforts, she stressed that vocations are a gift from God, born from prayer and nourished by faith. Mother Adela painted a powerful image of Jesus looking at the crowds, not as a distant observer but as a shepherd seeing the needs of each person. “When He sees the crowds, He sees what every single person needs. He’s not a person of masses. He is about every single human person.” This, she explained, is why Christ calls for laborers—to ensure that His people are guided, healed, and nourished, both physically and spiritually.
Beyond prayer, Mother Adela challenged the faithful to actively encourage vocations. She urged Serrans to inspire young people, support families in fostering a culture of vocation, and invite the suffering to offer their struggles for the increase of holy vocations. She called on them to recognize that the Lord never stops calling, even when it may seem difficult to see the fruits. “If the Lord needs those with hearts of stone to become priests and religious, that’s what He will do. Don’t worry about it. We just need to pray.”
Her message was ultimately one of hope—the assurance that God is always calling and providing. By praying with faith and trust, Catholics do not simply ask for more priests and religious; they align their hearts with Christ’s and take part in His ongoing work of salvation. Through prayer and encouragement, Mother Adela affirmed, we can help others open their hearts to hear and answer Christ’s call.
A Visit to the Mother House
Those in attendance were treated to a visit to the Mother House of the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Upon entering the house, Mother Adela gave a tour of the order’s hundreds of Saintly relics, including a vial of Pope Saint John Paul II’s blood which is displayed for veneration in the order’s beautiful chapel.
Serrans were given a tour of the Mother House grounds.
Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Thomas Collins, Bishop Thomas Daly, and the order’s own Fr. Joseph Mary, STL. Afterwards, Serrans were each given a loaf of sweet bread baked on the premises by the sisters.
The order was founded by Mother Adela in 1990 in Miami and has since grown to eight houses in the United States and several more in Europe and South America.
Membership Update
At the Rally, VP of Membership Candice Tyrrell reported that as of 2024, there were 8,011 Serrans and 193 clubs, with 843 new members, though retention remains a challenge. She emphasized the need to attract younger members, citing advice from Cardinal DiNardo and the success of clubs like Miami, Williamson County, and Reno in recruitment.
The first Hispanic Serra Club, chartered in 2022, was highlighted as a model for establishing Spanish-speaking clubs. Strategies for success include Adoration programs, parish engagement, and personal outreach by priests. Clubs that incorporate prayer initiatives, vocation-centered events, and personalized invitations tend to thrive, Candice said.
The 2025 recipients of the Face of Serra Award: Frank Hartge (Great Lake Region), Susie Flood (Central region), Pat Fielding (North East Region), and Dave Maza (Rocky Mountain Region). Not pictured: William Davis (Pacific North West). Also pictured, Great Lakes Regional Director Ken Peete, far left, and Rocky Mountain Regional Director Elenor Gentilini, far right.
