The Society of Divine Vocations (S.D.V.) — the Vocationist Fathers and Brothers — has a distinctive charism centered on identifying, fostering, and guiding vocations to the Catholic priesthood and religious life, especially among the poor and underprivileged, in the spirit of their founder, Saint Justin Maria Russolillo. Their spirituality emphasizes prayer, discernment, pastoral outreach, and accompaniment of young people in discovering God’s call, especially by operating Vocationaries — houses of discernment where aspirants live in prayer, study and community while discerning their vocation. Members live in community and profess the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, committing themselves to both vocational formation and parish, school, and missionary ministries.

The Society of Divine Vocations was founded on 18 October 1920 in Pianura (Naples, Italy) by Fr. Giustino Maria Russolillo, an Italian priest who dedicated his life to helping young people discover and respond to God’s call to priesthood and consecrated life. The Institute received pontifical recognition in the mid-20th century and spread internationally, establishing communities and ministries on multiple continents, including Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The order runs parishes, schools, and Vocationaries, with an emphasis on vocation promotion and formation as its primary apostolate. Over the decades the congregation has grown and now serves in countries such as Italy, Brazil, United States, Argentina, Nigeria, Philippines, India, Madagascar, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, United Kingdom, and South Africa, among others. Their founder, Giustino Russolillo (1891–1955), was canonized a saint by Pope Francis on 15 May 2022.

Vocationist Fathers – South Africa Regional Contacts Email: Vocationistsouthafrica1@gmail.com (Can provide info or refer to vocation directors)