Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “I address a particular word to you, my dear Brother Bishops, to provide continuity and to spread your mission of salvation in Christ. It is important 'to increase priestly and religious vocations, especially missionary' (Decree Christus Dominus, 15)” is the call that Pope Benedict XVI made to Bishops around the world in his message for the XLVIII World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on 15 May, 2011, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, on “Proposing Vocations in the Local Church”.
The Pope continued with his exhortation: “I would also like to remind you, dear Brother Bishops, the concern of the universal Church for an equitable distribution of priests around the world. Your openness to the needs of dioceses experiencing a dearth of vocations will become a blessing from God for your communities and a sign to the faithful of a priestly service that generously considers the needs of the entire Church.”
In his Message the Holy Father recalled the institution, 70 years ago, of the Pontifical Society for Priestly Vocations, followed by the creation of similar societies in many dioceses around the world, and emphasised that “vocations to the ministerial priesthood and to the consecrated life are first and foremost the fruit of constant contact with the living God and insistent prayer lifted up to the 'Lord of the harvest', whether in parish communities, in Christian families or in groups specifically devoted to prayer for vocations.” After quoting the Gospel passages where the Lord Jesus calls us to follow him, Benedict XVI said that “it is no less challenging to follow Christ today” but, “the Lord does not fail to call people at every stage of life to share in His mission and to serve the Church in the ordained ministry and in the consecrated life.” Then he stated: “It is important to encourage and support those who show clear signs of a call to priestly life and religious consecration, and to enable them to feel the warmth of the whole community as they respond 'yes' to God and the Church.”
Illustrating the theme for the Day of Prayer - “Proposing Vocations in the Local Church” - Pope Benedict XVI said that “this means having the courage to point out, through careful and proper pastoral care of vocations, this demanding path of following Christ, which, in its richest sense, is able to involve our whole lives.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 12/02/2011)
