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May 9, 2025Message for the 62nd World Day Prayer for Vocations
Bishop Paolo Martinelli – Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia
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Peace be with you
This is the Good Shepherd Sunday which is also the world day of prayer for vocations. I invite everyone to read the message of Pope Francis for this day, pilgrims of hope: the gift of life, which had written from the hospital before his death.
Do not be afraid to leave everything to follow Jesus. I say to all of you, never be discouraged by difficulties and uncertainties about the future. Look at the young saints like Rose of Lima, Teresa of Lisieux, also Carlo Acutis, who will soon be canonized; they all lived their life to the full. Let yourselves to be guided by the hope. Hope is not a generic optimism but the certainty of faith in the Lord who loves you, is among you and will never abandon you.
The discovery of one’s vocation occurs over time, develops within the Christian community and with the help of a priest, or a consecrated person or the adults in faith. For this purpose, I have recently set up a vocational team in our Apostolic Vicariate to propose paths for discernment of vocation in every parish. Their programs are designed for everyone, especially young people. Get in touch with them and join their initiatives and be courageous to follow Jesus for “He is the source of our joy”.
The Church is alive and fruitful when it generates new vocations. I thank the Lord for the many young people of our vicariate who have left everything to follow the Lord in the priesthood and consecrated life. Let us never tire of praying and asking the Lord to send new workers for his harvest.
May Mary, Mother of God, who fully accepted the Lord's call, help you to discover your vocation and to follow Jesus with all your heart.
Watch the video message
Contact the Vocation team : [email protected]