“You Are Called” – A Weekend of Grace at St. Andrew’s Abbey

By: Father Hau Vu

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This year, just after the celebration of Pentecost, we gathered once again for our 2nd Annual “You Are Called” Discernment Retreat for young adult Catholics. Held at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, this retreat has become a place where young men from all over the Diocese of San Bernardino come not to “get answers” necessarily, but to encounter the One who calls.

Much like the apostles who waited in the Upper Room, uncertain, praying, yet full of hope, 32 young men showed up, most of them unsure of why they even came. They carried questions, restlessness, even doubt. But I believe that restlessness was the Holy Spirit already at work, pulling them into something deeper, greater, an invitation into a 3-day encounter with Jesus.

Something unique happened this year. This was the largest group of young adult discerners we’ve ever had for this retreat, and what stood out wasn’t just the number, but their openness. Even in the middle of confusion or fear, they surrendered. Not perfectly. Not with all the answers. But with a desire to be led. And that’s the beginning of every true vocation.

 The Voice of God Through Our Priests

We were blessed with powerful talks from our priests, each of whom offered more than just teaching, they offered their witness.

• Fr. Tyler shared how he heard the Lord’s call—clear and direct. And while not everyone’s journey looks like that, he reminded the men that what matters is not always clarity, but trusting that God speaks, even in the quiet. Discernment, he said, isn’t about figuring everything out, but about falling in love with God’s will, and taking a leap of faith, even when we don’t know where we’ll land.

• Fr. Gino lit the room up with his passion. He shared the real struggles he faced in discernment, how he was rejected by multiple religious orders because of his speech stutter, but never gave up. He kept walking by faith, and it was Bishop Emeritus Gerald R. Barnes who finally saw what God saw and welcomed him into our Diocese. His story hit home. “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.” That truth resonated deeply with our young men.

• Fr. Javier Gonzalez, Rector of Serra House, spoke with deep conviction about the pastoral needs of our Diocese and the real call to holiness. His love for Christ’s priesthood was palpable. He reminded us that holiness isn’t far away. It’s near and possible, because Christ gives it freely, we just have to say yes and stay close to Him.

• Fr. Jorge Tellez offered a beautiful reflection on his love for Our Blessed Mother, and how she walked with him through his formation. He reminded the men that Mary is not just for childhood devotion, she is our mother in the trenches, especially for seminarians and priests. Through her, he found strength to carry crosses, and grace to persevere.

A Space Where Grace Met Hearts

Of course, the talks were only the beginning. The real fruit came through the sacraments—Mass, Adoration, Confession, and one-on-one spiritual direction. That’s where the walls came down. That’s where hearts were opened. That’s where Jesus showed up.

By the end of the retreat, you could see it on their faces, joy, peace, fraternity. They weren’t just strangers who shared a room for three days, they became brothers, united in seeking the will of God.

A few of them even made the firm decision to take the next step: they’re actively discerning the priesthood for our Diocese and preparing to apply. But whether they apply tomorrow or ten years from now, the seed has been planted. Not Success—But Blessing

If someone were to ask me, “Was this retreat a success?” I’d say: that’s not even the right question. Because this wasn’t our doing. It wasn’t about metrics. It was about blessing.

God did it. He continues to call, and these men, just like the apostles, showed up, waited, listened… and began to follow.

Pray for them. Pray for vocations. And if you’re reading this and wondering if God might be calling you… maybe He already is.

You are called.

— Fr. Hau Vu

Vocation Director, Diocese of San Bernardino