Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Six middle school students were honored for their exceptional contributions to the Padre Kino Vocations Ministry essay contest. The competition attracted 208 entries from eight Catholic middle schools across the Diocese.

The students, along with their parents and school principals, attended a luncheon hosted by Bishop Edward Weisenburger, who urged the young writers to continue honing their skills. The themes of the essays submitted by seventh and eighth graders revolved around the Eucharist. As Catholics throughout the United States experience a Eucharistic revival, local youngsters reflected on this fundamental aspect of Catholic life.

Fr. Alan Valencia, director of vocations for the Diocese of Tucson, commended the six winners and acknowledged their ability to contemplate the "big, deep, dense mysteries of our faith. You do it very well," he praised. "The teachers are doing an excellent job teaching you to speak about these high mysteries: the Eucharist, Salvation, and the Sacrifice of the Lord."

Eighth graders addressed the theme "Eucharistic people and the New Evangelization" in their essays. Giovanni Gallardo from Saint Joseph Catholic School in Tucson, who won first place, said, "Catholic vocations begin with the Eucharist. The Eucharist exhibits profound mysteries of communion, sacrifice, and eternal life."

Natalie Reyna from Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School in Tucson took second place. She stated that being a Eucharistic person means being part of Christ's sacrifice and dedicating one's life to serving others.

Gabriel De Belen from Immaculate Heart Academy in Oro Valley came third. He emphasized on how Christians should be proud to proclaim their faith despite secularization attempts to exclude God from conversations.

Seventh graders responded to the theme "Saints’ devotion to the Eucharist" in their essays. Gael Suarez Velazquez from Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School in Tucson won first place. He drew inspiration from St. Peter Julian Emyard, who saw the Eucharist as a source of strength.

Joe Francis from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Tucson took second place. He wrote about St. Pio of Pietrelcina and expressed his desire to emulate the saint's confidence in God.

Angel Fernando Rodriguez from Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yuma came third. He wrote about St. Dominic Savio, whose joy and happiness were sourced from the Eucharist.

Middle school students have demonstrated that they are not too young to have a vibrant faith and trust in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. By participating in Padre Kino Vocation Ministry’s essay contest, these students had an opportunity to reflect on the Eucharist and how God is calling them deeper into faith mysteries.

The mission of the Padre Kino Vocations Ministry is to pray daily for men and women to respond to God’s call to priesthood and religious life. The ministry also supports seminarians during discernment and formation, provides discernment weekends for interested parish youth groups, emergency travel for religious candidates, and other appreciation initiatives for priests, brothers, and sisters throughout the year.