Focolare Movement

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Apr 21, 2018

“We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events; on the contrary, our life and our presence in this world are the fruit of a divine vocation!” This is what Pope Francis reminds us of in the very first words of his message for the 55th World Day of […]

“We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events; on the contrary, our life and our presence in this world are the fruit of a divine vocation!” This is what Pope Francis reminds us of in the very first words of his message for the 55th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which is addressed in a special way to young people. The Day of Prayer is scheduled for April 22, and its theme will be: “Listen, discern and live the Lord’s call.” The relationship between young people, faith and vocations will also be central to the upcoming synod in October. “On that occasion,” the Pope observed, “we’ll have an opportunity to see how at the centre of life there is a call to happiness that God extends to us.” The young people and youths of the Focolare were reminded of Chiara Lubich’s words, which she spoke to them in 1998: “God calls to a variety of different paths: He calls to a variety of missions and tasks; for example, he calls young men to the priesthood, to be another Christ; he calls men and women to all those colourful flowerbeds that are the Religious Families in the Church; he calls men and women to the modern ecclesial movements, to consecrate themselves to God both individually and communitarily, or to start families that are actually many little churches. And remember: God calls at all ages; he also calls teenagers and children. He calls everywhere on earth.”

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