“GOD’S VOICE: Discerning the Call to Priesthood and Consecrated Life” 

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem announces the publication of a new pastoral book entitled “The Voice of God: Discerning the Call to Priesthood and Consecrated Life”, authored by Fr. Abdallah Dababneh, Vocations Director of the Latin Patriarchate. 

His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has written the foreword of this book, which is directed especially to young men and women who feel a call from the Lord and wish to embark on a serious path of discernment to discover God’s will for their lives. This pastoral initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Latin Patriarchate to foster a stronger culture of vocation and deepen the awareness among young people regarding their call in the Church.

The book is grounded in the belief that vocation is, above all, a divine initiative. God continues to speak in the depths of the heart, inviting some of His sons and daughters to a life of consecration and service in the Church. It offers a balanced spiritual and theological perspective on the meaning of Christian vocation, particularly the call to priesthood and consecrated life, demonstrating that such a call is not merely a personal career choice or institutional commitment but rather a journey of love and self-giving to the Lord and to His people. 

Throughout its chapters, the book explores many aspects of the vocational path. It begins by presenting vocation as a journey into the unknown, yet lived with complete trust in God. It explains the signs that may help a young person recognize the voice of God within their life — both interior signs, such as spiritual peace and joy, and exterior signs that come through the testimony and support of the Christian community. The book also examines the stages of discernment, the importance of spiritual accompaniment, and the essential role of prayer and the sacraments in discovering God’s will. Practical guidance is also given to help readers face the common fears and challenges that often arise along the way, such as hesitancy, societal pressure, or a lack of confidence. 

The work also emphasizes the communal dimension of vocation promotion, noting that encouraging vocations is a shared responsibility among families, parishes, schools, and ecclesial movements. It calls for the creation of a Church environment that welcomes and supports the vocational question, and for a joyful witness to priesthood and consecrated life as paths of fulfillment and generosity, not deprivation or isolation. The book concludes with a deep Gospel meditation, inviting readers to encounter Jesus personally in a pivotal moment of listening and surrender, and to respond courageously: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 

Written in a clear and accessible style that resonates with young people while preserving solid spiritual depth, the book extends to approximately 80 pages in a compact format, making it easy to read and convenient for youth ministry settings and parish initiatives. 

“GOD’S VOICE” serves as a practical resource for young people who are sincerely discerning their vocation, and it is also a valuable tool for priests, spiritual companions, and families engaged in accompanying emerging vocations. It bridges reflective spirituality with pastoral experience drawn from real-life ministry. 

The book was first launched during the Christ the King Youth Festival in Jordan on November 14, 2025, and subsequently during the central Christ the King celebration in Palestine on November 21, 2025. It is now available through the Vocations Office of the Latin Patriarchate, as well as at Shabebeh Store in Jordan and Christ the King Bookshop in Palestine. It will also be made available at the Latin Patriarchal Seminary in Beit Jala, in parishes, and throughout various upcoming Vocations Office activities. 

This publication stands as a sign of renewed hope in our Church’s journey of fostering vocations and encouraging a deeper openness to God’s call. God continues to call, and the Church continues to need courageous hearts ready to respond with faith and love. 

Let us pray that this book may be an instrument of grace that opens new horizons in the lives of many young people, helping each one to hear the Lord’s voice in the depth of his or her heart. As His Beatitude writes in the foreword: “I hope that this book will help young people to organize what lies within them, to distinguish among the many voices that call them — to know which ones deserve to be listened to and which ones should be left aside. I hope that it will help them realize that following God is the most beautiful, wonderful, and profound adventure a young person can live; that true happiness can only be found in a life lived in its fullness, without compromises, in freedom. God alone can give us that freedom, and when we follow Him — in the way He desires — our true joy is found.”