Franciscan University’s 30th Annual Vocations Fair on October 10 hosted representatives from 50 dioceses and religious communities, including many alumni priests, brothers, and sisters. Several alumni said Franciscan’s vocations fairs helped them discern God’s call.
Father Antony Augustine Cherian, OP ’16, said it was thanks to the opportunity to meet Dominican friars at vocations fairs that he began to feel a pull toward their way of life, though he had initially considered the diocesan priesthood.
“Being in the Priestly Discernment Program and in community life here turned me further toward religious life,” he said, adding, “I am glad to be here to share my experiences in Dominican life.”
Sister Raphael Marie Federline ’23 grew up in the Pittsburgh area and came to Franciscan’s vocations fairs as a high school student.
“I always loved to see the joy of all the sisters and their different charisms,” said Sister Raphael, a novice with the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. “The fairs I attended really did help continue to foster my desire for religious life by just seeing so many people living out their own vocations.”
Father Luke Iyengar ’18, representing the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, attended the fairs every year as a student.
“I met a lot of great communities and impressive vocational directors here,” said Father Iyengar, who was ordained a priest in July 2025 and began his first assignment at the Assumption of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton, West Virginia.
These alumni and vocations directors from as far as away as California, Connecticut, Louisiana, and Texas continue to inspire today’s student body.
As junior Magdalene Gallagher summed it up, “This fair is a beautiful way to encounter people who have devoted their entire life to the Lord. The fair helps me keep my heart open, recognizing that if God calls, I’ll be better able to answer.”
