Lord Jesus, once you called the first disciples in order to make them fishers of men. Continue to let resound today Your sweet invitation: "Come and follow me." Grant to young men and young women the grace of responding promptly to Your voice. Sustain our bishops, priests and consecrated souls in their apostolic work. Give perseverance to our seminarians and to all those who are fulfilling an ideal of a life of total consecration to Your service. Enkindle in our communities a missionary zeal. Send Lord, workers into Your fields and do not let mankind be lost because of a lack of pastors, missionaries and people dedicated to the cause of the Gospel.
Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say "Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the Divine Design of Salvation." Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Church, Model of Vocations, help us say "Yes to the Lord Who calls us to collaborate in the Divine Design of Salvation." Amen.
Please pray this prayer every day
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ReplyDeleteMy last comment was how do I encourage -what do I say? And what does the diocesan priesthood have to offer that religious communities might not? Thanks again Father
ReplyDeletePerhaps you have noticed several vocations going to religious congregations rather than diocesan priesthood. What is the charism of diocesan priesthood, if I could put it that way. Thank Father!
DeleteWe inspire and encourage by example. Talk about priesthood to young boys and men. Do not be afraid to do this. As the old saying goes ... one plants a seed, the other waters it, and eventually new fruit shows forth. Young people are thirsting for God. They want to serve. Help them do this. The Lord is generous. but we need to sprinkle the seeds more generously. What is the charism of diocesan priesthood? To quote Pope Francis, "to smell the sheep," and in my words, care for the flock, watch over it, protect it. The priest is called to lead people to heaven. Not a bad calling, you know.
DeleteFather, excellent response. Thank you.
DeleteWell done Father, how refreshing for a priest to take his vocation seriously. Most today in this part of the world think it is their job to entertain for an hour each week with a good stand-up comedy routine. God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDelete