Two dozen men from across the Diocese of Venice participated in a priestly discernment day at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, Oct. 10, 2026.
This first-ever discernment day was presented by the diocesan Vocations Office and was intended to offer the opportunity for young men – ages 16-35 – to learn more about a priestly vocation through inspiring talks, discussions with seminarians, priests and peers, Mass, adoration, food and fun.
Among the day’s activities were a rosary walk to the beach and a conference on virtue and on moving “from fear to freedom.”
The event, titled, “Verso l’alto: A Men’s Priestly Discernment Day,” took its name from the motto of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati – “Verso l’alto” (“to the heights”) – a model of holiness for young people.
Diocesan Vocations Director Father Alex Pince said the entire day was inspiring.
“Anytime you have a number of men come together to spend time in prayer, fraternity, and discernment, it’s a good day,” Father Pince said. “It was powerful to see the guys give up their Saturday, some traveling from as far as two hours away, simply to be open to the Lord and grow in closeness with Him. I really believe the Holy Spirit was present to make the day a huge success.”
Father Pince was assisted in organizing and leading the day by Father Jacob Gwynn, a parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist who was ordained to the priesthood in 2025. Several diocesan seminarians were also present throughout.
Father David Vidal, diocesan vicar general, who was the principal celebrant for the Mass, spoke on behalf of Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., who was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.
Also leading one of the conferences was Father Eric Scanlan, former diocesan vocations director and current pastor of Our Lady of Light Parish, Fort Myers.
Father Pince said that due to the success of the discernment day, additional such opportunities will be offered in the future.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in discerning a vocation to the priesthood, please contact Father Alex Pince at 941-486-4703, or pince@dioceseofvenice.org.
