Pope Benedict: The Good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep
It was day to remember for 9 deacons who were ordained on this World Day of Prayer
for Religious Vocations by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Basilica. Eight of the
deacons were from the diocese of Rome, one a former pilot, another a chemistry graduate.
Also ordained on Sunday was a deacon from Vietnam who had previously been a lawyer.
Speaking
to the congregation on Sunday which included the family and friends of the new priests,
the Holy Father said, the Priest like the Shepherd is called to lead the faithful
entrusted to him to true life, “a life in abundance”
The new priests listened
as the Pope told them that the value of their priestly life was not just about social
works, it was also about living a life in the vital presence of God.
That
presence, continued Pope Benedict was made all the more intense when the weight of
the priest’s cross in life is heavier.
Referring to Sunday’s readings,
Pope Benedict also noted, during his Homily, that Jesus had '' lived an experience
of being rejected by the leaders of his people, yet helped by God he founded a new
church.
The priest, said the Pope, is called to live the experience Jesus
lived, to give himself fully to his work as preacher and healer.
Following
Mass the Holy Father recited the Regina Caeli during which he prayed that more people
would hear Christ’s call.
"Today’s Gospel highlights the figure of Christ the
Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. Today we also pray for vocations
to the priesthood: may more young men hear Christ’s call to follow him more closely,
and offer their lives to serve their brothers and sisters. God’s peace be with you
all!"
The Pope also added that the young priests he ordained on Sunday
were not different from other young people, but they had been touched by a deep love
of God. Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report