Church leaders must encourage vocations

The Message of Pope Benedict for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations was released on Monday. The theme this year is Vocations, the Gift of the Love of God.

In his Message, the Holy Father calls on the clergy, religious, and catechists of the Church to pay close attention to those members of parish communities, associations and ecclesial movements who sense a call to the priesthood or to a special consecration.

He said it is important for the Church to create the conditions that will permit many young people to say “yes” in generous response to God’s loving call.

“The context needs to be one of prayer and prayer before the Holy Eucharist,” said Father Robert Gahl, Professor of Ethics at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

“Also I think of strong formation, so that those who are called by God can receive that formation, including – he brings up specifically – the need for spiritual direction,” he told Vatican Radio. “Spiritual direction can help individuals to discern that their vocation is truly authentic, that the voice they hear within their heart, the grace, is truly of the Holy Spirit.”

Listen to the full interview by Charles Collins with Father Robert Gahl: