When people imagine someone discerning a religious vocation, they might picture silent retreats, spiritual direction, or big, defining moments.
But according to a new study, one of the most powerful influences is much simpler—and more personal: quietly praying the rosary.
Georgetown Study Dives Into Marian Influence
A new report from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University has highlighted just how central Mary is in the lives of those considering a religious life.
Titled “Impact of Mary, Mother of the Church, on Ecclesial Vocations,” the study gathered insights from 1,091 individuals in ministry across the U.S.
It’s not just seminarians or young novices who responded—those surveyed included bishops, priests, permanent deacons, and directors of diaconal programs (65% of respondents), as well as religious brothers and sisters (35%).
The majority (95%) belong to the Latin Rite, while the rest identify with the Eastern Catholic tradition.
Rosary Ranks Highest Among Devotions
Out of all Marian practices, the one that resonated most deeply during vocational discernment was praying the rosary alone.
A solid 70% of participants said it helped them during their decision-making, with bishops especially affirming its impact—80% of them pointed to the rosary as a major spiritual influence.
That quiet repetition of prayer, meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life through Mary’s eyes, seemed to offer many the clarity and comfort they needed as they considered the path ahead.
Mary’s Role in Awakening a Calling
Overall, nearly 6 in 10 respondents said that devotion to Mary had either a “meaningful” or “great” impact on their initial sense of being called to serve.
Religious priests were most likely to say Mary deeply influenced their journey, while those directing deacon programs felt it slightly less.
Interestingly, when it came to choosing a specific religious order or diocese, 35% of respondents said that a Marian aspect of that community—like a special devotion or a title of Mary—played a significant role in their decision.
Study Timeline and Context
This research was carried out from March to May 2025, in partnership with the Diocese of Saginaw.
It aimed to look closely at how Marian devotion—not just in general, but through specific practices—shapes vocations in today’s Church.
As the Church continues to pray for more vocations, this study is a strong reminder that sometimes, the most personal and quiet acts of faith—like praying a rosary alone—can be the most powerful steps on the journey to religious life.