WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Many people mistake our work for our vocation.

Our vocation is the love of Jesus.

Mother Teresa

As Mother Teresa’s wise words explain, our vocation is not defined only by our actions but above all by the meaning we give to our lives, by our love of neighbor and of God. For the Catholic Church, religious vocation refers not only to women and men who have chosen consecrated life. On the contrary, every stage and state of life like marriage, priesthood, or single, involves following the call to love Jesus Christ.  As Pope Francis has said:

“I think of mothers and fathers who […] shape their lives through relationships marked by love and graciousness, openness to the gift of life and commitment to their children and their growth in maturity. I think of all those who carry out their work in a spirit of cooperation with others […] f all those men and women of good will who devote their lives to working for the common good.”[1]

For this reason, the Pope wanted this day of prayer for vocations to be a synodal celebration: “there are many charisms and we are called to listen to one another and to walk together to discover them and to discern what the Spirit is calling us to do for the good of all”.

Religious vocation is not only a destiny but a choice that gives meaning to our lives: “our journey on this earth is never resolved in a senseless tiredness or aimless wandering; On the contrary, every day, responding to our call, we try to take the possible steps towards a new world, where people live in peace, justice and love.”

As Providence family we respond to the Pope’s fraternal call to be light in the midst of darkness, following in the footsteps of our Great Providence Women: Emilia, Bernarda and Joseph.

[1] Message for the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2024 | Francis (vatican.va)