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May 10, 2025On the occasion of the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Bishop Paolo Martinelli addressed the young people of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia with a heartfelt invitation: “Do not be afraid to leave everything to follow Christ.”
He also announced the establishment of a Vocational Team for the Apostolic Vicariate and encouraged young people to get in touch with the team and participate in its initiatives.
In a short video message (full text), shown at the end of Sunday Masses, Bishop Paolo invited the faithful to read the message signed by Pope Francis during his recent stay in the hospital, titled “Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life.”
“A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in our hearts, a call to leave ourselves behind and embark on a journey of love and service. Every vocation in the Church—whether lay, ordained, or consecrated—is a sign of the hope God has for this world and for each of His children.”
Bishop Paolo urged young people to “look to young saints” such as Rose of Lima, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Carlo Acutis, who will soon be canonized: “They experienced their vocation as a path to true happiness through friendship with the risen Lord.”
He continued, “Do not be afraid to leave everything to follow Christ! Never let yourselves be discouraged by difficulties or uncertainties about the future! Let yourselves be guided by hope—not a vague optimism, but the certainty of faith in the Lord who loves us, is with us, and will never abandon us.”
This year’s message emphasizes that discovering one’s vocation is a gradual journey, lived out within the Christian community and supported by priests, consecrated persons, and faith-filled adults. For this reason, a Vocational Team is now present in every parish of the Vicariate: “It offers pathways for vocational discernment and is especially geared toward young people.”
In conclusion, Bishop Paolo thanked God for the gift of new vocations emerging throughout the Vicariate. “Let us never tire of praying and asking the Lord to send new laborers for His harvest. Let us follow our Lord Jesus with courage—He is the source of our joy.”