For the first time in its history, Glenmary recently held a retreat in México. A total of 13 young men attended the gathering, led by Brother David Henley and Father Charles Aketch, along with Father José Ángel Loredo Mata, a priest from México, longtime friend of Glenmary.

These youngsters “had interest in knowing more about religious life and wanted to learn more about Glenmary and the mission ministry that we do,” says Brother David, Glenmary’s Director of Vocations. “Some of the older guys who are in their 20s have an interest and want to continue a process of discernment with us.”

The retreat took place near San Luis Potosí, about five hours north of the capital, México City, from January 2 to 5.

This retreat was one of several activities that the Vocations Team did in recent months to help young men discern a possible religious life with our community. Glenmary also participated at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November 2023, and at SEEK, a college students conference that gathered over 19,000 people last January 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Vocations Team also plans to have two one-day retreats in April, one in Williamston, North Carolina, and the other one in Blakely, Georgia. “We just keep praying for vocations and keep walking with the guys,” Brother David says.