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Vocations Week - Wednesday - Religious

Vocations Week - Wednesday - Religious

Wednesday 27th Religious

The gift of consecrated life, both contemplative and apostolic, which the Spirit calls forth in the Church, has a prophetic value inasmuch as it is a joyful witness of the gratuitousness of love. When religious communities and new foundations live their fraternity authentically, they become schools of communion, centres of prayer and contemplation, places of dialogue and arenas for evangelization and charity. The mission of many consecrated men and women who take care of the lowliest on the world's peripheries reveals concretely the dedication of an outward-looking Church. The consecrated life continues to be fruitful and creative, not least through co- responsibility with many lay people who share the spirit and the mission of the various charisms. The Church and the world cannot be without this vocational gift, which is a great resource for our time.

Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment (88.)

Scripture

Eccles 4: Wisdom: those who serve her, minister to the holy one. And the lord loves those who love her.

Intercessions

That like Samuel, all baptized Catholics will be faithful to their call to follow Christ, especially those chosen for the unique consecration of priesthood or consecrated life, Lord hear us.

For a deeper dedication among Catholic families to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life among their children, believing that Christ opens ears to hear His call and hearts to answer Him, life, will glory in the cross of Jesus Christ, Lord hear us.

Reflection

Religious life ought to promote growth in the church by way of attraction. The church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! . . . It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be men and women who are able to wake the world up.

—Pope Francis, meeting with the Union of Superiors General, November 29, 2013

Prayer

O loving and gracious God, Father of all, you bless your people in every time and season and provide for their needs through your providential care. Your Church is continually in need of priests, sisters and brothers to offer themselves in the service of the gospel by lives of dedicated love. Open the hearts of your sons and daughters to listen to your call in their lives. Give them the gift of understanding to discern your invitation to serve you and your Church. Give them the gift of courage to follow your call. May they have the spirit of young Samuel who found fulfilment in his life when he said to you, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen4.

4 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. USCCB Website. 

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Homily - World Day of Peace - Bishop McKeown

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