Amid widespread uncertainty and social fragmentation, Pope Francis urged young people to embrace their vocation as “pilgrims of hope,” offering their lives generously in service to others and as a response to God’s love. Source: NCR Online.
Every vocation in the Church – to ordained ministry, consecrated life or life as a layperson – “is a sign of God’s hope for the world and for each of his children,” the Pope wrote in his message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations to be observed May 11.
“A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in the heart,” the Pope wrote. “It is a call to go out of ourselves and begin a journey of love and service.”
The Vatican released the Pope’s message, titled “Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life,” yesterday as he remains in hospital for treatment for double pneumonia.
Francis said the theme reflects the need for Christians, especially youth, to live their faith courageously amid economic, social and spiritual challenges.
“In our time, many young people feel lost about the future,” he wrote. “They often experience uncertainty about job prospects and, more profoundly, an identity crisis, which is also a crisis of meaning and values.”
Francis said these struggles are often worsened by the “confusion” of digital culture and the violence of war and injustice; yet God remains present, calling each person by name and inviting them to live with purpose.
The Pope also urged adult members of the Church, especially pastors, to accompany young people in discerning their vocation.
The World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is observed annually on the fourth Sunday of Easter. It invites the global Church to pray for and support those discerning a call to serve God and others.
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Pope urges young people to embrace vocation as ‘pilgrims of hope’ (By Justin McLellan, OSV News via NCR Online)
