VATICAN - On the annual Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Pope ordains 26 new priests for his diocese of Rome: “You have been ordained priests in an era in which, also here in Rome, there is a powerful cultural tendency to want to make people forget God... If you are filled with God you will be authentic apostles of new evangelisation, because we can only give what we possess in our heart”

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “ You have been ordained priests in an era in which, also here in Rome, there is a powerful cultural tendency to make people forget God, especially young people and families. But have no fear: God is with you always! With His help you will walk the paths which lead to the heart of every man and women to announce to them that the Good Shepherd gave his life for them and wishes to share with them his mystery of love and salvation.” These words of encouragement were addressed by Pope John Paul II in his homily to 26 new priests whom he ordained in St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday 2 May, 4th Sunday of Easter which is traditionally the Catholic Church’s annual Day of Prayer for Vocations.
“Today the Liturgy invites us to contemplate Christ the Good Shepherd... the Only Son of God, the Good Shepherd of Humanity, who died on the cross and on the third day rose from the dead- the Pope said in his homily -. This is the Good News which the Apostles carried to all peoples... This is the good news which continues to resound at the beginning of the third millennium. From the compassion of Christ, the Good Shepherd who is Risen, comes the gift and mystery in the Church of a vocation to the pastoral ministry.”
The Holy Father urged the new priests to put Jesus at the centre of their life and to be in intimate communion with Him “through prayer, daily personal meditation, fidelity to the Liturgy of the Hours, and above all devout daily celebration of the Eucharist”... “ If you are filled with God you will be authentic apostles of new evangelisation, because we can only give what we possess in our heart”
.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/5/2004 - Righe 19; Parole 286)

Vatican City (Fides Service) - “ You have been ordained priests in an era in which, also here in Rome, there is a powerful cultural tendency to make people forget God, especially young people and families. But have no fear: God is with you always! With His help you will walk the paths which lead to the heart of every man and women to announce to them that the Good Shepherd gave his life for them and wishes to share with them his mystery of love and salvation.” These words of encouragement were addressed by Pope John Paul II in his homily to 26 new priests whom he ordained in St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday 2 May, 4th Sunday of Easter which is traditionally the Catholic Church’s annual Day of Prayer for Vocations.
“Today the Liturgy invites us to contemplate Christ the Good Shepherd... the Only Son of God, the Good Shepherd of Humanity, who died on the cross and on the third day rose from the dead- the Pope said in his homily -. This is the Good News which the Apostles carried to all peoples... This is the good news which continues to resound at the beginning of the third millennium. From the compassion of Christ, the Good Shepherd who is Risen, comes the gift and mystery in the Church of a vocation to the pastoral ministry.”
The Holy Father urged the new priests to put Jesus at the centre of their life and to be in intimate communion with Him “through prayer, daily personal meditation, fidelity to the Liturgy of the Hours, and above all devout daily celebration of the Eucharist”... “ If you are filled with God you will be authentic apostles of new evangelisation, because we can only give what we possess in our heart”
.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/5/2004 - Righe 19; Parole 286)
See the Pope’s homily in Italian
http://www.evangelizatio.org/portale/adgentes/pontefici/pontefice.php?id=98