Pope Calls on Parents and Priests to Cultivate Vocations
(25 April 10 – RV) Pope Benedict XVI marked the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
this Sunday with a special call to priests and parents to cultivate “every little
seed of vocation.
The Pope was
speaking to thousands of pilgrims and visitors in St Peter’s Square for the traditional
Regina Caeli prayer, on the fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday.
Reflecting
on his message for Vocations Sunday, “Witness awakens Vocations”, the Pope said that
priests should feel themselves called to “a stronger and more effective witness to
the Gospel in todays’ world", urging them to remember that “the priest continues the
work of Redemption on earth”.
He prayed that they may know how to gladly stand
before the tabernacle, totally committed to their vocation and mission through an
austere asceticism, that they may become open to listening and forgiveness; in order
to form the Christian people entrusted to them and carefully cultivate the 'priestly
fraternity'. "
Saturday marked the 5th anniversary of the beginning
of Pope Benedict’s pontificate and on Sunday he had special words of thanks for all
those who “with prayer and affection” support his ministry as Successor of Peter"
The Pope also used the occasion of Good Shepherd Sunday to thank and bless
the work of an association founded by an Italian priest to combat paedophilia and
online child pornography.
For over 14 years, “Meter Association” has promoted
the Italian National Day for 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”.
After the Regina Caeli, Pope Benedict XVI noted that on Sunday
in Rome and Barcelona, two priests were beatified: Angelo Paoli, a Carmelite, and
José Tous y Soler, a Capuchin. “In the Year for Priests”, he concluded “I gladly propose
these example to all priests, especially those who belong to religious institutes
of active life. "