Per Christum

Today is the 45th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Although there are rays of hope, especially among orthodox dioceses and orders, the United States and Europe still suffer a shortage of vocations which could negatively impact the Church’s mission in the near future. We all need to pray for vocations and above all encourage and nurture them in our families and among our friends. Pope Benedict XVI has issued a message on this day of prayer. I was particularly struck by this statement:

Besides, in order that the Church may continue to carry out the mission entrusted to her by Christ, and in order that there will never be a lack of those who preach the Gospel and who are badly needed by the world, it is necessary that Christian communities do not fail to give both children and adults a constant education in the faith.

It confirms what many of us already know: strong catechesis (mixed with good formation) for young people and adults, in the home, at school, at RCIA, etc. creates strong Catholics who are willing to serve the Church. Weak and watered down teaching does not. As a bishop, I think, once said, people will give their lives for a mystery, but not a question mark. Catholic education in much of the Western world has been emphasizing question marks and our vocations have duly suffered. The bishops have recently taken more control of Catholic education, which should help in the long run. Make sure to read the rest of Benedict XVI’s message on vocations. It’s well worth it.

Finally, here is a beautiful prayer for vocations. I urge all of our readers to pray this or similar prayers daily for men to answer the Church’s call to ordination and men and women to follow God’s leading to the religious life.

Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed.

Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of the Most High,
filled with faith, you responded:
“Let it be done unto me.”

Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.

Be with us as we discern our life’s work
and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.

Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross
you mourned the death of your only Son.

Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests,
deacons, brothers and sisters.

Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd,
turn your motherly care to this nation.

Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.

Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
inspire vocations in our time.

Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew
in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life.
Amen. (English Prayers for Vocations)