World Day of Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life - 25th April 2010
Witness Awakens Vocations
An article for Vocations Sunday written by Fr Andrew Downie, Catholic Chaplain to Newcastle and Northumbria Universities and Diocesan Director of Vocations
Who’s your hero? We all have people we look up to: sporting heroes, musicians, film stars – even politicians. Their example inspires and challenges us to be all that we can be.
There are other heroes who are less famous: parents and grandparents, teachers, doctors, nurses and many others. Without ever hitting the headlines, such people touch countless lives. By their dedicated and unselfish service, they help others to blossom and reach their full potential. By their example, they show us that real success in life isn’t measured by money or fame. What counts is our love and care for others.
When I talk to young men who are considering a vocation to the priesthood, they almost always mention a priest who has made a big impression on them, and say that his example encouraged them to think about priesthood themselves. A priest who rejoices in his vocation to serve God and the Church is a sign of God’s love for his people. A priest who is alive and fulfilled in his ministry will encourage others to respond to God’s call. Recognising this, Pope Benedict has chosen the theme ‘Witness Awakens Vocations’ for this year’s World Day of Prayer for vocations to priesthood and consecrated life. In his message for the Day of Prayer, the Pope recalls that every vocation comes from God – but the response to God’s call comes from our free choice. Priests and Religious who have themselves responded joyfully and generously to their vocation will awaken a generous response in others.
Of course, the opposite is also true. If young people meet priests who seem detached and discouraged, they won’t feel drawn to follow that path themselves. Even worse, when priests or religious misuse their position, they do terrible harm to their victims, and undermine the trust that should be at the heart of the Church’s life. The current scandals of abuse have shocked us all, and we in the Church must face up to these issues, and do everything in our power to make sure that they never happen again.
In this Year of Priesthood, it’s more important than ever to pray for priests. Pray for the priests you know: that they will serve God and God’s people with commitment and integrity, and find joy in their ministry. Pray that, by their witness and example, they will inspire the next generation to respond generously to God’s call. Say a word of encouragement to your parish priest. Present a positive image of priesthood and religious life to the young people you know. Witness awakens vocations – and the witness has to come from all God’s people.