A new 2025 study from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University reveals just how powerfully Marian devotions shape and sustain Catholic vocations. Titled “Impact of Mary, Mother of the Church, on Ecclesial Vocations,” the report surveyed over 1,000 religious men and women, including bishops, diocesan priests, deacons, and major superiors. It shows that the Blessed Virgin Mary remains a vital companion for those discerning and living out a call to serve Christ and His Church.
According to the study, devotion to Mary had “a meaningful impact” or “a great impact” on the original sense of vocation for 59% of respondents. Religious priests were especially influenced, with 71% reporting a strong Marian impact, compared to 49% of deacon directors.
The most frequently practiced Marian devotion? Reciting the rosary alone. Seventy percent of respondents said this had a positive impact on their discernment—especially among bishops, 80% of whom affirmed its influence. The survey found that “reciting the rosary privately” was not only the most popular practice during discernment but also remains the most frequent devotion today, with 72% of respondents praying it weekly or daily. Among bishops, that number jumps to 87% (CARA, June 2025).
Pilgrimage to Marian apparition sites also played a significant role. Forty-four percent of respondents had visited at least one Marian site before committing to their vocation. The most commonly visited were Guadalupe (29%) and Lourdes (28%). Devotions tied to Fatima (44%), Lourdes (43%), and Guadalupe (31%) had the most meaningful reported impacts on vocations.
The influence of Marian spirituality does not end with discernment. CARA’s study reports that 75% of respondents feel their Marian devotion has “strengthened” or “very much strengthened” them as they live out their vocation. Eighty percent turn to Mary for spiritual help “often” or “very often.” One respondent shared, “Mary stands by me each day as I celebrate holy Mass, just as she stood by Christ at the foot of the Cross.” Another wrote, “I wouldn’t be who I am today, or where I am today, if it were not for Mary’s intercessory role in my life.”
Most see Mary as a mother (121 respondents), an intercessor (129), or a comforting companion (167). A religious respondent described her maternal role this way: “She has always been there and continues to be there. I love her even more as I grow in my awareness of her love for me.”
The study also asked about the Church’s emphasis on Marian devotion. A strong majority—74%—believe the Church places “the right amount of emphasis” on Mary. However, 21% feel there is “not enough emphasis,” while only 5% think there is “too much.”
This research, conducted in collaboration with the Diocese of Saginaw from March to May 2025, reminds us that Mary’s role in guiding and forming vocations is not abstract. It is deeply personal, daily, and indispensable. As one priest put it: “Mary is my comfort whenever I am afraid.” And for those discerning their own call, the rosary remains a tried and true place to begin.
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