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Pope Benedict XVI- Regina Coeli |
Regina Coeli
On the 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations
"The First Form of Witness that Awakens Vocations is Prayer"
H.H. Benedict XVI
April 25, 2010
www.zenit.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, which is called "Good Shepherd Sunday,"
the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is celebrated, which has as its
theme this year "Witness Awakens Vocations," a theme that is "closely
linked to the life and mission of priests and consecrated persons"
("Message for the 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, April 25,
2010"). The first form of witness that awakens vocations is prayer (cf.
ibid.), as is shown to us by the example of St. Monica, who,
supplicating God with humility and persistence, obtained the grace of
seeing her son Augustine become Christian. St. Augustine wrote: "Without
a doubt I believe and affirm that through her prayers, God granted me
the intention not to propose, not to want, not to think, not to love
anything else but the attainment of truth" ("De Ordine," II 20, 52; CCL
29, 136).
Therefore, I invite parents to pray that the heart of their children
open to listening to the Good Shepherd, and "each tiny seed of a
vocation ... grow into a mature tree, bearing much good fruit for the
Church and for all humanity" ("Message"). How can we hear the voice of
the Lord and recognize it? In the preaching of the Apostles and their
successors: In it there resounds the voice of Christ, who calls us to
communion with God and to the fullness of life, as we read today in St.
John's Gospel: "My sheep hear my voice and they follow me. I give them
eternal life and they will never be lost and no one will take them out
of my hand" (John 10:27-28). Only the Good Shepherd leads his flock with
immense tenderness and defends them from evil, and only in him can the
faithful place absolute confidence.
On this special day of prayer for vocations I especially exhort the
ordained ministers, so that, inspired by the Year for Priests, they are
moved to "a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today's
world" ("Letter Proclaiming a Year for Priests"). May they remember that
the priest "continues the work of the Redemption on earth;" may they
know how to "stop frequently before the tabernacle;" may they remain
"completely faithful to [their] own vocation and mission through the
practice of an austere asceticism;" may they be available to listen and
forgive; may they form the people entrusted to them in a Christian way;
may they cultivate with care "priestly fraternity" (cf. ibid.). May they
take wise and zealous pastors as an example, as St. Gregory Nazianzus,
who wrote to his dear friend and bishop, St. Basil: "Teach us your love
for your sheep, your solicitude and your capacity for understanding,
your vigilance ... the austerity in sweetness, the serenity and meekness
in activity ... the combats in defense of the flock, the victories ...
achieved in Christ" (Oratio IX, 5, PG 35, 825ab).
I thank everyone who is present and those who with prayer and affection
support my ministry as the Successor of Peter, and upon everyone I
invoke the heavenly protection of the Virgin Mary, to whom we now turn
in prayer.
[After the recitation of the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father greeted the
pilgrims in various languages. In Italian he said:]
This morning, in Rome and in Barcelona respectively, two priests were
beatified: Angelo Paoli, a Carmelite, and José Tous y Soler, a Capuchin.
I will speak about the latter shortly. In regard to Blessed Angelo
Paoli, who was from Lunigiana and lived between the 17th and 18th
centuries, I would like to recall that he was an apostle of charity in
Rome and was called "Father of the Poor." He dedicated himself
especially to the sick of the Hospital of St. John, also caring for the
convalescents. His apostolate drew strength from the Eucharist and from
devotion to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and from an intense life of penance
as well. In the Year for Priests I gladly propose his example to all
priests, in a special way to those who belong to religious institutes of
the active life.
[In English he said:]
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking visitors present for
today's Regina Caeli prayer. This Sunday the Church celebrates the World
Day of Prayer for Vocations. As we rejoice in the new life that the
Risen Lord has won for us, let us ask him to inspire many young people
to center their hearts on the things of Heaven (cf. Col 3:1-2) and to
offer themselves joyfully in the service of Christ our Good Shepherd in
the priesthood and religious life. Confidently entrusting this petition
to Mary, Queen of Heaven, I invoke upon you God's abundant blessings of
peace and joy!
[The Pontiff concluded in Italian:]
I direct a special greeting to the Meter Association, which, for the
past 14 years, has promoted the national day for children who are
victims of violence, exploitation and indifference. On this occasion I
would like above all to thank and encourage those who dedicate
themselves to prevention and education, especially parents, teachers,
many priests, sisters, catechists and leaders who work with the young
people in the parishes, schools and associations. I greet the faithful
from Brescia, Cassana near Ferrara, from parishes in Umbria and Toronto,
Canada; the young people of the parishes in Valposchiavo, in
Switzerland, and those from Francavilla al Mare; and the group of
engaged couples from Altamura. I wish everyone a good Sunday.
[Translation by Joseph G. Trabbic]
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