Above: Bishop Douglas J. Lucia joined the Mothers of Lu (and the fathers) for dinner at the Cathedral earlier this year, on May 12, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
By Tami S. Scott
Editor
Before becoming a priest, Father John Brusa III was intent on becoming a meteorologist.
“Growing up, it was my childhood dream right up through high school,” he told The Catholic Sun in an interview leading up to his Ordination this past June. Then one day, while enrolled at SUNY Oswego, he was scrolling through social media and came across a quote by Fulton Sheen. “Something struck me about it,” he said. He researched the 20th-century bishop online and kept thinking how awesome it would be to save as many souls as Sheen did.
The seed was planted. He eventually transferred to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary School in Emmitsburg, Md., and is now the parochial vicar at St. James in Johnson City.
The son of John and Joanne Brusa and the oldest of five siblings, Father Brusa said his entire family supported his calling from the get-go. So much so that in 2021, his mother approached Father Jason Hage, director of the Office of Vocation Promotion, about starting a group similar to one she had heard about from a friend who lives in the Diocese of Rochester, called Mothers of Lu.
In northern Italy, about 37 miles east of Turin, is a little village called Lu. In 1881, the population was a mere 1,800, but, as they say, good things — in this case, great things — come in small packages (… and places). The local families’ devout mothers began to pray out of a desire for their sons to become priests and their daughters to choose religious life. Out of this small village came 323 vocations — 152 priests and 171 religious.
“My friend shared how mothers in her diocese gather monthly for a Holy Hour to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life from their own families,” Joanne said. In the Diocese of Syracuse, the group began with the mothers of our seminarians and has since expanded to include mothers of recently ordained priests and several mothers of children in religious life. The group of about 10 to 15 women meets quarterly for prayer and fellowship.
“Fellowship has become an important support system for mothers whose sons and daughters are discerning their calling to serve the Church,” Joanne said. “Having a child in seminary or religious formation is quite unique these days, and there is great comfort in knowing others who are on the same journey.”
On certain occasions, fathers are asked to join, too, such as during the Holy Hour coordinated by the Diocesan Office of Vocations for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. However, holding true to the original Mothers of Lu format, the regular meetings include only the mothers.
Karen Hoole’s son, Jonathan Hoole, is currently in the Configuration III stage of formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. She joined the Mothers of Lu group shortly after it was formed. “It’s uplifting when our children learn that they have not only one mom praying for them, but many,” she said. “It impacts and strengthens their commitment to their faith; they know they are loved and supported throughout their discernment.”
Father James Buttner, ordained in June 2023, is now the parochial vicar at Sacred Heart in Cicero and Divine Mercy Parish & The Mission of St. Bernadette in Central Square. Like Hoole, his brother, John Buttner, is a seminarian in the Configuration II formation stage at Mount St. Mary’s. Their mother, Bridget Buttner, is also a member of Mothers of Lu.
“Being open to and seeking God’s love is central to how we interact as a family. … Discernment by our children is a faith journey for all members of the family,” Bridget said. “The family that prays together supports each other through difficulties and confusion; cheers for each other in accomplishments, and celebrates together as the extended family grows. Praying together draws us closer — humbly.”
Father Hage also emphasized the connection between marriage and vocations — that without marriage, where would be vocations? “It’s important to know that vocations come from the home and from loving, supportive parents and parents who are living out their vocation to marriage,” Father said. “Vocations to married life and vocations to religious life are intimately connected. … I think the Mothers of Lu demonstrates that.”
For any child who approaches their parents about discerning a religious life, Joanne, Karen, and Bridget each offer sage advice:
“Do not push anyone into it. Do not pull anyone away from it. We are not in control of the vocation,” said Bridget. “Most importantly, pray with your children that they desire what God wants.”
“Respect their decision, be supportive in any way possible,” Karen said. “But most of all, pray and trust Jesus!”
“As a parent, my hope is for my children to grow up and lead a happy life. I pray that my children will listen to God’s plan for their lives and have the courage to follow Him,” Joanne said. “Whether He is calling them to a religious vocation, a marriage vocation, or another purpose, I believe that following God’s plan will bring them joy.
“After all,” she added, “what parent doesn’t want that for their child?”
For those interested in forming a local Mothers of Lu group, contact Barb Shepard, program coordinator for the Office of Vocation Promotion, at vocations@syrdio.org. She will connect you with your local vocation ministry team in a parish or school.
