On
a word and a prayer:
Increasing priestly vocations
Prayer and action are like a hand and glove. Prayer is the animating force;
the glove goes to work. Both prayer and works of charity will be in force
this week as Catholics take part in the Season of Service throughout the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Readers will find one cause that is especially worthy of that spiritual
combination in this issue. Cardinal Justin Rigali has identified promotion
of vocations to the priesthood as a priority of the Bicentennial year.
Readers will learn how important it is to pray for vocations as well as
to become active in encouraging them in young people.
Our special supplement on vocations includes a poster with the photo of
each seminarian at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary who is studying for the
priesthood for the Archdiocese.
The poster enables us to pray for our seminarians by name, and is sponsored
by the Knights of Columbus. The fraternal order stands as an example of
how prayer and good works come together beautifully: One of the Knights’
main missions is to support priestly vocations. (The 125-year-old order
is seeking new members to continue its legacy of service to the Church
and laity.)
Catholics in the Archdiocese will also have the opportunity to visit parish
churches on Jan. 15 to pray for vocations before the Blessed Sacrament.
Eucharistic adoration can animate our efforts to increase vocations.
We who live among good, prayerful, talented young men have a duty to call
forth potential vocations by posing a simple question to them. We can
ask, “Have you ever thought of becoming a priest?” Or say,
“I think you would be an outstanding priest — why not consider
it?” Their response may be neutral, or negative. But our questions
may plant a seed.
The life of a priest begins with a word: a call deep in a man’s
heart from Jesus Christ the High Priest, which is then confirmed by the
people of God when they encourage that man to begin his awesome journey.
In that sense, one small act — a mere suggestion — could grow,
in the fullness of time and by the grace of God, to its fulfillment in
the ordination of a new priest for God and His people.