The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.
While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
FAITH ACTION: Pray the following prayer some time this day.
Creator of the Universe, God of the Nations,
Your people are longing to hear your word.
Send laborers into your harvest –
women and men on fire with your love:Dedicated single people –
who incarnate your presence
in their daily lives,
whose availability enables them
to respond to a diversity of needs.Married couples –
whose relationships serve as a sign
of your fidelity to your people,
whose love overflows
to their children and neighbors.Ordained Ministers –
who gather the prayers and longing
of your people
who serve as a channel of your presence
through the sacraments.Religious sisters, brothers, and priests –
whose life in community foreshadows
our eternal unity in Christ,
whose service brings your life to the world.May each of us respond with courage and generosity
to our particular vocations, and may the Church recognize
the Spirit’s call to men and women of good will,
trusting in your abundance to answer all our needs.Amen.