A PATH Less Traveled: Explicating the Lived Experiences of Religious Vocation ASPIRANTS

Abstract

Vocation in the context of religious life refers to a calling from God to dedicate one's life to His service, often through a formal commitment to a specific way of life. However, a noticeable reduction in the number of individuals responding to God’s call warrants an investigation into the factors discouraging them from pursuing a religious life. This phenomenological study was conducted to explore and understand the lived experiences of vocation aspirants regarding their preparation for admission to religious life, and to gather insights into their coping strategies for addressing the challenges in pursuing their calling. The participants of this investigation, chosen purposively, were the females who had joined for a while but were not accepted into the religious life and those who had joined for less than a year but decided not to pursue it. Thematic analysis revealed six themes centered on their lived experiences, including exposure to religious activities, finding joy in serving the Church, responding to the call to religious life, family members' skepticism of their decision, adjusting to convent life, and experiencing internal struggle. Despite these struggles, the vocation aspirants revealed their coping strategies, which were captured in three themes: community support, confidence in the call of God, and embracing the religious life. The study also identified three crucial insights for new aspirants: self-forgiveness and acceptance are a must; trust and guidance from the formators; and emphasis on Spiritual Education. Uncovering the different perspectives of individuals aspiring to embrace the religious life contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the diverse trajectories individuals undertake in their quest for spiritual fulfillment.  The insights garnered are expected to empower religious institutions and congregations to create initiatives that contribute to their success.