Wednesday, April 25, 2007

"Communion With the Church is Necessary to Foster Vocations"

Vatican City, Apr 24, 2007 / 11:49 am (CNA).- The Press Office of the Holy See made public today Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which falls on Sunday, April 29th. The Holy Father referred to the theme of this year’s 44th Day of Prayer – “The vocation to the service of the Church as communion” – emphasizing the key role communion plays in the flourishing of vocations.

“Thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit,” Pope Benedict said, “all the members of the Church form ‘one body and one spirit’ in Christ. This people, organically structured under the guidance of its Pastors, lives the mystery of communion with God and with the brethren, especially when it gathers for the Eucharist.”

“This intense communion,” the Pope added, “favours the growth of generous vocations at the service of the Church: the heart of the believer, filled with divine love, is moved to dedicate itself wholly to the cause of the Kingdom.”

“In order to foster vocations, therefore, it is important that pastoral activity be attentive to the mystery of the Church as communion; because whoever lives in an ecclesial community that is harmonious, co-responsible and conscientious, certainly learns more easily to discern the call of the Lord,” the Holy Father encouraged.

To read the whole message...

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