Office of Vocations

Veneziano, Lorenzo (fl. 1356-1379) Calling of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew.
Predella panel. Oil on poplar, 23.7 x 32.5cm. Inv III 80. Photo: Joerg P. Anders. Location: Gemaeldegaleria, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, BNerlin, Germany. Photo Credit: Bildarchiv Preussischer Kulturbesitz / Art Resource, NY

In a special way I commend to you young men the closing words of this evening’s Gospel: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).  Yes, the gift of a vocation to the priesthood is not something you seek for yourselves.  It has nothing to do with status or privilege as the world understands these things.  Your great privilege will be to lay down your lives with Christ the eternal priest if you are truly called to this vocation.  May God help each of you to discern His will so that you too may “Go out to bear fruit, fruit that will last.” -- Pope John Paul II, to priests, religious, and seminarians in Malawi (May 4, 1989)