May 11, 2025 — 62nd Annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations
This year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations (WDPV) occurs on Mother’s Day. St. Pius X once said, “Every vocation to the priesthood (and consecrated life) comes from the heart of God, but it passes through the heart of a mother.” He reminds us of the words from the Prophet Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you” (Jeremiah 1:5). These words are meant for each of us to hear. God created us with a unique mission that only we can fulfill for the life of others. Mothers and mother figures in our life intuit this truth as they ponder what their child will be.
Healthy parenting creates an environment that allows children the freedom to discover and pursue that which is most meaningful to their life. So too, it’s important for each of us to continually discern and discover our special way of being in the world. Fr. Matt Linn, SJ, encourages us to ask, “What is my unique way of giving and receiving life and love?” This is the basic question we are to ask for every decision we make in life. When we do, so we experience both holiness and happiness because we are in union with God’s call to live and love as Jesus taught us.
How can I help?
• Pray for your children and grandchildren that they will be open to whatever call God has placed in their heart and be willing to help them discern that call.
• Take a “see something, say something” approach to potential religious vocations within your family and parish communities. Simply say, “I believe you would be a great priest, brother, or sister.”
• Involve your family in the activities offered in your parish to help create the life-giving environment necessary for nurturing healthy vocations for the life of the Church and the world.
Message from Pope Francis
“Dear friends, the world pushes you to make hasty decisions and bombards you with a constant blare that prevents you from experiencing a silence that is open to God who speaks to the heart. Have the courage to pause, to listen to what your heart tells you, and to ask God about his dreams for you. The silence of prayer is indispensable if we are to learn how to hear God’s call amid the specific circumstances of our lives and to respond consciously and freely. Prayerful recollection helps us to realize that all of us can be pilgrims of hope if we make our lives a gift.” (Excerpt from Message for WDPV 2025)
Parents’ vocation prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for our children, and that you have placed your desire for holiness in their hearts. Help us to teach them how to best discern your will for them and give them the courage to respond to you with generosity. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son. Amen