B A L I T A A N

Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square on the occasion of World Day of Vocations, 2013:

Look! I would like to ask you: have you sometimes heard the Lord’s voice, in a desire, in a worry, did he invite you to follow him more closely? Have you heard him? ... Have you wanted to be apostles of Jesus? We must bet on youth for the great ideals. Do you think this? Do you agree? Ask Jesus what he wants of you and be brave! Be brave! Ask him this!

Behind and before every vocation to the priesthood or to the consecrated life there is always the strong and intense prayer of someone: a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother, a father, a community.... This is why Jesus said: “Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest”, that is, God the Father, “to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Mt 9:38). Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.