For the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion, it is also a time to renew the commitment to accompanying others, especially young people, in discerning their path in life, and to witness to the charism of dialogue and love.
In 2026, Sion communities in the Philippines and Costa Rica marked this week in ways shaped by their local contexts, yet united by a common desire: to share the gift of their vocation and to foster openness to God’s call.
In Makati City, sisters were invited to take part in a vocation fair at Assumption College San Lorenzo. The event, attended by over one hundred Grade 12 students, formed part of the school’s Christian Living Education programme and was an opportunity for the young people to explore faith, purpose and life choices within the theme: “The Church at the service of dialogue and vocations”.
The afternoon began with a talk-show style panel, where representatives from five religious congregations reflected on questions of faith, discernment, and consecrated life. Sr Crystal, who had herself studied at the school, shared openly with the students, using images and real-life examples to make her message accessible.
It’s not linear, there can be surprises that change your course.
She described life without God as like a boat without an anchor, “floating listlessly without meaning, goal, direction”, and spoke of discernment as a journey with many possible routes, comparable to exploring further education after high school. “It’s not linear,” she said, “there can be detours, going back the way you came, and surprises that change your course.”
Following the panel, the atmosphere shifted into a more informal exchange as students visited booths hosted by each congregation. Conversations became more personal and curious.
When asked about her personal journey, Sr Crystal told with frankness and honesty how she had “resisted” God’s call. I believed I had a clear plan of how my life would be,” she said, “and I gave God parameters: God could send me to serve anywhere – ‘but not in religious life’.” It was only when she let go of these conditions that her restless heart found peace: “I gave religious life a chance, and found that my heart found its rest and all my imagined apprehensions melted away.”
Many students asked why the sisters did not wear traditional habits, opening a doorway to discuss interfaith ministry. The sisters explained how adapting to the context, sometimes even in dress, can help build bridges, especially in places where visible religious identity might create barriers.
Questions also turned toward the Congregation’s history and mission. The sisters often found themselves sharing stories of their origins, of schools and orphanages that welcomed children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. These stories highlighted a consistent theme: allowing individuals to flourish without erasing their identity.
To share how God works and how they have been loved by Him.
The students responded with curiosity and enthusiasm. Sr Beth noted both the depth and simplicity of the encounter: “The students were smiling as they asked… Where was your congregation founded? What are your works and ministries? One question, however, stood out: “What makes your congregation unique compared to others?”
Caught briefly off guard, she recalls: “I was a bit puzzled!” But then she reflected ”We build bridges… Our charism is centered on dialogue, respect and reconciliation.” For her, the exchange was not only about giving answers but about sharing a living relationship with God: “It was not only to give clarity to their discernment, but also to share how God works and how they have been loved by Him.”
It was a wonderful experience with them.
Sister Josélia experienced the day as both joyful and energizing. “It was a wonderful experience with them,” she said, noting the students’ curiosity and engagement. “They brought different questions, about vocation, discernment, habit, religious life, and our Congregation. We spent the whole afternoon with them.”
The event also became a moment of sharing among congregations. Afterwards, the sisters gathered with members of another community to celebrate the simple joy of fellowship after a meaningful day.
In Costa Rica and across Central America, the Family of Sion marked Vocations Awareness Week in a different but complementary way, with a novena that brought together sisters, associates, and participants from across the region, and reaching out as far as Brazil.
Witnesses of hope in Jesus Christ and his message for the whole world.
What was special about the novena was that each one prayed for one of the specific vocations within Sion: the apostolic sisters, the contemplative sisters, the associates of Sion, the brothers and the priests. They also reflected on the fundamental “vocation to life.”
The occasion was marked by shared reflections, silence, Scripture, and texts on the Sion charism. It created a space where participants could connect across distances and realities, united in prayer and mutual support.
Sisters Andrea and Nancy describe the novena as a “deeply enriching” experience. “By praying for one another,” they noted, “we live out the charism of Sion.”
This time of prayer also became an invitation to personal renewal, an invitation to deepen and reflect on the specific vocation to which each has been called. Through the novena, participants reaffirmed their commitment “to be witnesses of hope in Jesus Christ and his message for the whole world.”
For the sisters in the Philippines, the experience was also formative. As Sr Crystal reflected, engaging regularly with young people challenges them “to find language that young people will be able to understand,” and to listen carefully to their questions – especially those concerning the relevance of consecrated life in today’s world.
From a lively school hall in the Philippines to a contemplative network of prayer across Central America, Vocations Awareness Week 2026 revealed the many ways in which the call of God is lived and shared within the Sion family.
Whether through dialogue with young people or through quiet, faithful prayer, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion continue to accompany others, and one another, in listening for that call, trusting that it is always being renewed in new hearts, new contexts, and new possibilities.