Fr. Benjamin Sawyer of the Diocese of Wichita recently participated in an international event titled "Joyful Priests – I have called you friends," held at Rome’s Auditorium Conciliazione. The event, part of the Jubilee of Priests from June 25-27, gathered clergy from around the world, including priests, seminarians, and formators.

Fr. Sawyer was recommended by Fr. Patrick Reilley, a fellow priest from Wichita who works at the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy. Fr. Reilley explained, “I was asked to suggest someone involved in seminary formation who could speak in English at our conference for seminary formators.” His recommendation led to Fr. Sawyer presenting on priestly formation and his diocese’s success with vocations.

In his presentation, Fr. Sawyer highlighted three factors contributing to the high number of vocations in Wichita: Eucharistic adoration being central to parish life, generosity and openness in family life encouraging discernment of God's will, and a healthy presbyterate that inspires young men through vibrant fraternity and deep prayer lives.

Fr. Reilley noted how Fr. Sawyer's talk resonated with attendees: “People were struck by the photos of our bishop, smiling and surrounded by his priests,” he said.

The presentation also included insights into Fr. Sawyer’s role as a formator at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary where he emphasized healing isolation wounds among seminarians as key to understanding one's vocation relationally.

“His talk touched on something that is part of the reason for the large number of priestly vocations in our diocese – the interior life,” stated Fr. Reilley.

The event concluded with both priests having a brief exchange with Pope Leo XIV, suggesting future engagements together.