Sometimes I think that vocational discernment should be “mandatory”: such a fundamental part of a Christian’s life journey cannot be left to individual initiative, but should be an integral part of Christian initiation, which in my opinion should continue until after the age of 20 (with the Confirmation). Here in Italy, many young people, even good Catholic, are not naturally led to question themselves about their vocation (whether it be consecrated life, marriage, priesthood, or none of them).
how do you actually mandate something like that though?
I think a good way would be to carry out discernment as prerequisite to Confirmation, or at least for Marriage (I mean, not only for priesthood).