As we mark National Vocations Awareness Week, we talk to Anastasia and Andrew Badaoui, a young couple from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, about why they chose the vocation of marriage.
Anastasia, a manager in a large consulting firm, is a youth leader in the parish and also leads the parish youth band, while Andrew is a senior lawyer at an insurance broker. They have been married for three years and, like all busy couples, find they have to work at their relationship, communicating their feelings and sharing responsibilities. But, they were also very clear about why they wanted to undertake the vocation of marriage and the importance of faith in that choice and in their ongoing partnership.
Catholic Outlook: Why did you both decide on life as a married couple? What called you to this vocation?
Anastasia and Andrew: We both hope to be parents one day and felt called to married life for this reason. We were blessed to meet in our early 20s, so we had the opportunity to grow together and support each other through many milestones in life’s ups and downs.
We strive to put our faith at the centre of what we do, and sharing this value of faith, family, ministry and community in Christ has always been an integral part of our vocation to married life.
Andrew and Anastasia Badaoui during their trip to Rome. Image: Supplied
CO: What would you say is the biggest joy in your vocation?
Andrew: Accompaniment. And coming home to unconditional love.
Anastasia: Having someone to do life with side by side. But I like Andrew’s answer better!
CO: What is your favourite story from your vocational life?
Anastasia: I love taking Andrew to places I’ve been before, for example, I went to Rome as a pilgrim ahead of World Youth Day 2016, and then we went together last year. Watching as he experienced the wonder, awe and beauty exactly as I did was very special. Andrew often reminds me what it means to embrace my “inner child” – faith of a child!
Andrew: Being able to go to World Youth Day on pilgrimage together in 2023. It was a profound and meaningful experience to be able to deepen our faith with God as husband and wife. Being able to visit so many holy places where saints lived made the journey even more special. I am grateful to have experienced both the struggles and the joys of the pilgrimage together – the long walks, the moments of exhaustion and sleep deprivation, the inspiring encounters, and the deep moments of prayer and reflection.
Andrew and Anastasia Badoui. Image: Supplied
CO: Who is your favourite saint/s? What impact have they had in your life?
Andrew: St Joan of Arc. Her life reminds me to stay courageous and strong in my faith, no matter the adversity I face. She was a pillar of strength when she faced so much doubt, whereby her unwavering trust and faith in God led her through her journey. Her courage constantly humbles me and reminds me to continue to be committed in my faith and to surrender to God.
Anastasia: I have so many favourite saints – I genuinely find it so difficult to choose just one! Growing up in a Franciscan parish, I believe St Francis has influenced the way I try to “show up” in my day-to-day life with the people I meet and the places I go. However, more recently, “Our Lady Undoer of Knots” has been a real go-to. Married life isn’t always easy, it requires constant awareness of each other’s feelings and energy levels, learning to communicate in different ways, sharing responsibilities, and accepting that things won’t always be done your way – e.g. the dishes!
It’s about discerning what small stuff to let go of and staying focused on what truly matters.
CO: Have you received any great advice on your vocational journey?
Andrew: As a husband, don’t be afraid to lead your faith journey with your wife. Be a leader and strive to push one another closer to God and that means taking initiative.
Anastasia: I’ve been reminded recently of the importance of continuing to date my husband – intentionally spending quality time together, just for us. We’ve started taking turns planning romantic dates for each other. Life can get busy, so setting aside this intentional time has become really important.
Andrew and Anastasia Badaoui in St Peter’s Square. Married life isn’t always easy, it requires constant awareness of each other’s feelings
CO: What message would you have for young people discerning their vocation?
Andrew: Listen to what God is calling you to do. Don’t force it. I know a lot of young men who feel lonely and rush into, or force themselves into, certain vocations.
God is always with you on your journey and you are never alone.
Just be patient and be ok to sit in silence to be able to listen to what God is calling you to do.
Anastasia: Discerning your vocation isn’t always about choosing between right and wrong — often, it’s about choosing between two good things. That’s why the way you pray and talk to God really matters. Be honest with Him. Let your prayer be a space where you listen as much as you speak. It takes patience — and I know that’s easier said than done. Sometimes, God asks us to sit in the unknown a little longer than we’d like. But trust that clarity will come at the right moment.
Even when it feels unclear or a bit dark, remember: Jesus is always the light.
You’re not walking this path alone. Keep close to Him, and He’ll lead you where you’re meant to go.
This National Vocations Awareness Week (3-10 August 2025), may stories like these inspire us to listen more deeply to God’s call, wherever it may lead.
To learn more about responding to God’s call, visit Discern My Vocation.
