VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2003 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II says that God continues to call young men and women to consecrate themselves totally to the extension of his Kingdom.
The Pope delivered that message on World Day of Prayer for Vocations as he addressed the crowds that gathered today in St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus. Earlier, he had ordained 31 new priests for the Rome Diocese.
In “virtue of baptism and confirmation, every Christian is called to be a witness of the Gospel. However, with a special vocation, God has always invited some to a more complete giving of themselves to the cause of the Kingdom,” the Holy Father said.
“He has certainly looked upon the young men and women of today also,” he added.
The Pontiff exhorted “all those who have felt his voice resound in their hearts to say their very generous ‘yes’ and then nourish it, day after day, in prayer, remaining united to Christ like the shoots of the vine.”
Turning to the youngsters of Rome who were in St. Peter’s Square, and who had taken part on Sunday in the Spring Marathon/School Festival, the Pope reminded them about “the important role the school can play in educating youngsters to respond generously to God, who calls them to the service of their brothers.”
John Paul II’s message for the 2003 World Day of Prayer for Vocations can be read in the Documents Section of ZENIT’s Web page.
