杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

As he recovers from bilateral pneumonia at Rome鈥檚 Gemelli Hospital, 杏MAP导航 Francis has released his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which falls this year on May 11.

Entitled 鈥淧ilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life,鈥� the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 message recalls that every vocation鈥攂e it to ordained ministry, consecrated life, or the laity鈥攕hould offer the world a sign of God鈥檚 hope for every person.

He noted that young people frequently feel dismay and confusion when they look to the future, given the background of insecurity, identity crises, unjust treatment of others, and general indifference.

鈥淵et the Lord, who knows the human heart, does not abandon us in our uncertainty,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淗e wants us to know that we are loved, called and sent as pilgrims of hope.鈥�

The Holy Father urged young people to look to the saints to recognize that they are the 鈥渘ow of God,鈥� since youth is not an in-between time.

Every vocational call, he said, ignites in us a desire to love others and serve them, rather than a means of self-promotion.

At certain points in life, added the 杏MAP导航, God calls people to choose a path, whether it be to family life, the priesthood, or religious life.

鈥淓very vocation is inspired by hope, marked by confident trust in God鈥檚 providence,鈥� he said. 鈥淰ocations mature through the daily effort to be faithful to the Gospel, and through prayer, discernment and service.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis urged young people to take the time to listen to God鈥檚 voice in prayer, even amid the constant bombardment of daily life and external pressures.

He said it takes courage to pause to pray and to be open to God鈥檚 dreams for our lives.

鈥淧rayerful recollection,鈥� he said, 鈥渉elps us to realize that all of us can be pilgrims of hope if we make our lives a gift, above all by placing ourselves at the service of those who live on the world鈥檚 material and existential peripheries.鈥�

Every particular vocation, added the 杏MAP导航, is an expression of our overall Christian vocation to be Christ鈥檚 presence where His light and consolation are most needed.

The Holy Father went on to invite pastoral ministers and vocation directors to patiently accompany young people in their journey to discover their vocation, listening respectfully and offering wise guidance.

鈥淎 vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart,鈥� he said. 鈥淩ather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves and hopes.鈥�

In conclusion, 杏MAP导航 Francis invited all Christians to pray for vocations and trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire young people to welcome their vocation.

鈥淟et us never tire, then, of asking the Lord for new labourers for His harvest, certain that with great love He continues to call them,鈥� he concluded. 鈥淜eep walking as pilgrims of hope on the path of the Gospel!鈥�