Pope’s “Regina Coeli” of Sunday, April 25

(April 26, 2010) On World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI urged parents and priests to help foster vocations, particularly through prayer and witnessing. Speaking to a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square, before reciting the weekly midday “Regina Coeli” prayer, the Pope said the first form of witness that inspires vocations is prayer, pointing to St. Monica as a model. Imploring God with humility and persistence, the Pope said, she obtained the grace of seeing her son Augustine become Christian. The Pope invited “parents to pray that the hearts of their children are open to listening to the Good Shepherd, so that "the smallest seed of vocation ... becomes a flourishing tree, laden with fruit for the good of the Church and of humanity” The Holy Father also urged the ordained ministers to feel committed 'to a stronger and more effective witness to the Gospel in today's world'. He said in the preaching of the Apostles and their successors resounds the voice of Christ, who calls us to communion with God and to the fullness of life." "Only the Good Shepherd leads his flock with immense tenderness and defends them from evil, and only in him can the faithful place absolute confidence," the Pontiff affirmed. He wished that priests have recourse to frequent prayer, remain completely faithful to their vocation and mission by practicing austere asceticism and be ready to listen and forgive. Since its institution by Pope Paul VI in 1963, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations or Vocation Sunday has been observed on the 4^th Sunday of Easter dedicated to the Good Shepherd.
After praying the “Regina Caeli”, Pope Benedict recalled two priests who were declared Blessed on Sunday in Rome and Barcelona, Spain, - Angelo Paoli, an Italian Carmelite, and José Tous y Soler, a Spanish Capuchin. Known as an Apostle of Charity in Rome, Fra Angelico Paoli was called the "father of the poor." Drawing strength from the Eucharist, devotion to Our Lady of Mount Caramel and an intense life of penance, Pope Benedict said Fr Paoli devoted himself especially to the sick in San Giovanni Hospital and took care of convalescents. Pope Benedict offered Fra Paoli as a model to priests and religious in this Year for Priests.
Pope Benedict also used Sunday’s “Regina Coeli” to thank all those who support his ministry with their prayer and affection. He particularly greeted the Meter Association which for 14 years has been promoting the Italian National Day for the children victims of violence, exploitation and indifference. "On this occasion - he said - I want to especially thank and encourage those dedicated to prevention and education, especially parents, teachers and many priests, nuns, catechists and facilitators who work with children in parishes, schools and associations”.