Sometimes I think that vocational discernment should be “mandatory”: such a fundamental part of a Christian’s life journey cannot be left to individual initiative, but should be an integral part of Christian initiation, which in my opinion should continue until after the age of 20 (with the Confirmation). Here in Italy, many young people, even good Catholic, are not naturally led to question themselves about their vocation (whether it be consecrated life, marriage, priesthood, or none of them).
Yes, I agree with this. I’m not sure of the situation in Italy but I hope they do push for vocations more. In the Diocese of Charlotte (In the USA) I think we are having a great vocational process. Yearly our diocese will host vocation retreats (one for men, one for women) that will help ages 15-19. I think these have been very fruitful for everyone who has come to one. As for “mandatory” I think in a sense I agree with that. Obviously you can’t do the “you must go to this retreat or you will be excommunicated.” But I do think it is highly important to say, “Hey, you all need to be asking this question. We highly recommend going to this retreat or listening to this talk this Wednesday at Church.” Things like that. I know that our diocese’s seminary is thriving. (We are having a class of 8 priest being ordained this year which is pretty big in the US and for a seminary that started only several years ago.)
What is the situation in Italy?