Archbishop Rosales pushes for vigorous campaign for vocations
Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales is pushing for a more vigorous promotion of vocation among young people as a way of renewing and revitalizing the Church.
In a circular letter to all priests, religious and lay groups in the archdiocese, the archbishop called on all to heed the words of the late Holy Father Pope John Paul II. In his 42 nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations message, the Holy Father said “There is a pressing need to implement an extensive plan of vocational promotion based on personal contact and involving parishes, schools and families in an effort to a more attentive reflection on essential values of life.” Through these words, the archbishop said, Pope John Paul II "challenges us to be examples of generous fidelity to Christ, of persons wholly consecrated to the service of God.”
The archbishop urged the faithful to participate in the activities drawn up by the archdiocese to celebrate the 42nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday April 17. According to Fr. Jason Laguerta, director of the Manila Archdiocese Vocations Office, a Prayer rally for vocations will be held from 6 to 10 pm on April 16 at the San Carlos Seminary gym in Makati City. It is open to all young people who wish to discern their vocations in life.
On Sunday, April 17, which is also Good Shepherd Sunday, the homilies at the Masses are expected to dwell on “Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life.” The archbishop said that this will be a good occasion for priests to share their vocation stories because “personal witnessing is a powerful way of inspiring the young people to commit themselves to God.” The Prayer for Vocations will also be said during all Masses on this Sunday in the archdiocese.
Parishes and communities are also asked to hold a Holy Hour for Vocations and a booklet on conducting the Holy Hour for Vocations has been prepared by the Manila Archdiocesan Vocations Office.
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