Catholic clergy in Bahia, Brazil, hold retreats and vocational congress

Priests of the Archdiocese of Feira de Santana gathered from 6 to 10 July at Eco Resort Pedra Bonita in Santo Estêvão for the annual clergy retreat. Organized by the Pastoral Presbiteral and themed “Spirituality, Communion and Presbytral Mission,” the five‑day program, led by Fr. Ricardo Rezende, included daily Mass, meditation, the Liturgy of the Hours and fraternal fellowship. Archbishop Dom Zanoni Demettino Castro emphasized the retreat as a time to renew priests’ intimacy with God and strengthen presbytral fraternity.

On 2 August, the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia will host the 2026 Archdiocesan Vocational Congress at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida in Imbuí. The event, themed “Communities Vocational: Encounter, Testimony and Mission,” brings together priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and laypeople for formation and prayer. Cardinal Dom Sergio da Rocha will preside over the opening Mass, marking the start of the archdiocese’s Vocational Month. Organizers aim to foster a culture of vocations and support those discerning a call to Church service.