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April 30, 2023
Today is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, it is the perfect time to pray for our priests, bishops, and all those who shepherd the Lord’s flock.Saint Joseph is an extraordinary figure, yet at the same time one “so close to our own human experience”. He did not do astonishing things, he had no unique charisms, nor did he appear special in the eyes of those who met him. He was not famous or even noteworthy: the Gospels do not report even a single word of his. Still, through his ordinary life, he accomplished something extraordinary in the eyes of God.” – Pope Francis
The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission "ad gentes".
Message from the Holy Father for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Prayers for Vocations
Learn more about this special day
Learn more about Vocations in the Diocese of Providence
Prayer for Vocations
O God our provident Father
through your Son you revealed to us
the mysteries of the Kingdom;
you will that all men and women be saved
and come to the knowledge of your Truth.
Send workers into your great harvest,
grant that more men will serve your Church
as priests for the Diocese of Providence,
that the Gospel may me preached
to every creature
and your people,
strengthened by the word of life and the sacraments
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
-AmenThe Lord continues to call others to live with him and to follow him in a relationship of particular closeness. He continues to call others to serve him directly. If he lets us realize that he is calling us to consecrate ourselves totally to his kingdom, then we should have no fear! It is beautiful – and a great grace – to be completely and forever consecrated to God and the service of our brothers and sisters.” -Pope Francis
