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Prayer for Vocation
(Pope Pius XII)
Lord Jesus, High Priest and universal Shepherd, Thou
hast taught us to pray, saying: "Pray the Lord of the
harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest"
[Matt. 9: 38].
Therefore we beseech Thee graciously to hear our
supplications and raise up many generous souls who,
inspired by Thy example and supported by Thy grace,
may conceive the ardent desire to enter the ranks of
Thy sacred ministers in order to continue the office
of Thy one true priesthood.
Although Thy priests live in the world as dispensers
of the mysteries of God, yet their mission demands
that they be not men of this world.
Grant, then, that the insidious lies and vicious slanders
directed against the priesthood by the malignant enemy and
abetted by the world through its spirit of indifference
and materialism may not dim the brilliance of the light
with which they shine before men, nor lessen the profound
and reverent esteem due to them.
Grant that the continual promotion of religious instruction,
true piety, purity of life and devotion to the highest ideals
may prepare the groundwork for good vocations among youth.
May the Christian family, as a nursery of pure and pious souls,
become the unfailing source of good vocations, ever firmly
convinced of the great honor that can redound to our Lord
through some of its numerous offspring.
Come to the aid of Thy Church, that always and in every place
she may have at her disposal the means necessary for the reception,
promotion, formation and mature development of all the good vocations
that may arise.
For the full realization of all these things, O Jesus, Who art
most zealous for the welfare salvation of all, may Thy graces
continually descend from Heaven to move many hearts by their
irresistible force: first, the silent invitation; then generous
cooperation; and finally perseverance in Thy holy service.
Art Thou not moved to compassion, O Lord, seeing the crowds
like sheep without a shepherd, without anyone to break for them
the bread of Thy word, or to lead them to drink at the fountains
of Thy grace, so that they are continually in danger of becoming
a prey to ravening wolves? Does it not grieve Thee to behold so many
unplowed fields where thorns and thistles are allowed to grow
in undisputed possession? Art Thou not saddened that many of Thy
gardens, once so green and productive, are now on the verge of
becoming fallow and barren through neglect?
O Mary, Mother most pure, through whose compassion we have
received the holiest of priests; O glorious Patriarch St. Joseph,
perfect model of co-operation with the Divine call; O holy priests,
who in heaven compose a choice choir about the Lamb of God: obtain
for us many good vocations in order that the Lord's flock, through
the support and government of vigilant shepherds, may attain to the
enjoyment of the most delightful pastures of eternal happiness.
Amen.
Nov. 6, 1957
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