Pope Benedict XVI urges prayers for vocations on occasion of a World Day
(March 31, 2006) : Pope Benedict’s message for the 43rd World Day of Prayer
for Vocations to be celebrated on 7th May on the theme, “Vacation in the
mystery of the Church”, was released on Thursday in the Vatican. While appealing to
all Catholics to intensify their prayer for vocations for a Church in need of more
priests and consecrated persons, the Pontiff stressed that the priest’s mission in
the Church is irreplaceable. The Holy Father wrote in the message: "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.” After recalling Jesus' recommendation:
"The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of
the harvest to send labourers to his harvest," the Pope added. Pope Benedict concluded
his Message saying: “The Church's sanctity depends essentially on her union with Christ
and her openness to the mystery of grace at work in the hearts of believers. For this
reason, I would like to invite all the faithful to cultivate an intimate relationship
with Christ, Master and Pastor of His people, imitating Mary who guarded the divine
mysteries in her heart and contemplated them assiduously."