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Benedict XVI Urges Prayers for Vocations
On Occasion of a World Day
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ZENIT News Agency, The World Seen from Rome
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VATICAN CITY, MARCH 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is
appealing to all Catholics to intensify their prayer for vocations
for a Church in need of more priests and consecrated persons.
"The priest's mission in the Church is irreplaceable,"
the Pope wrote in a message for the upcoming World Day of
Prayer for Vocations.
"Therefore, despite the fact that in some regions there
is a decrease of the clergy, the certainty must never be lost
that Christ will continue to inspire men who, as the Apostles,
putting all concerns aside, dedicate themselves totally to
the celebration of the sacred mysteries, the preaching of
the Gospel and pastoral ministry," the Holy Father wrote.
The 43th World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed
May 7. The Vatican press office published the Pope's message
today.
Reflecting on the World Day's theme, "Vocation in the
Mystery of the Church," Benedict XVI also analyzed the
call to the consecrated life, namely, the vocation of men
and women who consecrate themselves to "the total and
exclusive following of Christ."
After recalling Jesus' recommendation: "The harvest
is plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the
Lord of the harvest to send laborers to his harvest,"
the Pope added: "We experience intensely the need to
pray for vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life."
"It is no surprise that wherever there is prayer, vocations
flower," he said, as "the holiness of the Church
depends essentially on union with Christ and openness to the
mystery of grace that acts in the hearts of believers."
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Last Update November 12, 2006 |
