The Society of Divine Vocations has a new Father General
The Society of Divine Vocations has a new Father GeneralFrom August 2 to 22, 2024, the Vocationists celebrated the 16th General Chapter at the House of the Divine Master in Ariccia.
On August 20, the 48 Vocationist religious, Chapter Delegates gathered in the assembly hall and elected Father Ciro Sarnataro, SDV, as the new Superior General.
In the morning sessions on August 21, the election of the general councilors took place.
Resulting elected were:
- Father Arley Alcibiades Burbano Tobar, SDV, Vicar General.
- Father André Rabehaja Waxrobic, SDV, Councilor for parishes and vocation animation
- Father Anthony Chukwuma Ezebuiro, SDV, Councilor for formation and studies
- Father Cornelius Ozoemena Ibeh, SDV, Councilor for missions
- Father Robert Mathew, SDV, General Secretary
- Father Armando Palmieri, SDV, General Bursar
Also elected at the same session was Father Nibin Kuriakose Palatty, SDV, as Procurator to the Holy See.
Father Ciro Sarnataro, originally from Naples, has dedicated his life to the vocationist mission, inspired by the principles of St. Justin Mary Russolillo, founder of the order and promoter of religious and priestly vocations. After rigorous theological studies, Fr. Ciro was ordained a priest and held various roles within the congregation, including vicar general. With an extraordinary commitment to the formation of young people and the promotion of vocations, his recent appointment as Father General recognizes his dedication, competence and faith as he continues to lead the order according to the charism of St. Justin.
The Society of Divine Vocations, also known as "Vocationists", is a religious Congregation founded in Pianura di Napoli, Italy, in 1920 by St. Justin M. Russolillo The congregation today is present in 19 different countries. The search, formation and education, especially among the poor, of young men who feel called by God to priestly and religious life is the Vocationist charism.
On Oct. 18, 2020, the Vocationists celebrated 100 years of the congregation's founding.
On Aug. 12, the Chapter Vocationists were received at the Holy See in a private audience by Pope Francis, along with other congregations celebrating their general chapter in August.
Addressing the Vocationists, the Holy Father recalled three aspects: discernment, formation and charity.