"It is a misfortune for those who enter the priesthood by the window of their own choice, and not by the door of a legitimate vocation. Yet, the number of the former is very great; because they regard the ecclesiastical state as an easy manner of life, in which they seek their comfort rather than labor; and hence have arisen the fearful ravages we see in the Church. For, to the priests are attributed the ignorance, the sins, and the heresies that lay it waste. This it was that forced St. John Chrysostom to declare that few priests would be saved; and why? Because God does not give the graces necessary to fulfill the obligations of this sacred state but to those whom His goodness has called, and It never calls any in whom it does not perceive the proper qualifications, or on whom it does not intend to bestow them. As for all others, God allows them to advance, and permits them, in punishment for their temerity, to do more evil than good, and finally to destroy themselves. The call, then, to this holy profession must come from God, and this we see in the case of Our Lord Himself Who, being eternal priest, yet did not presume to exercise its duties until the Eternal Father had declared: "This is my well beloved son, Hear Him" (Luke, ix, 35).
This example, together with the knowledge I have of the disorders occasioned by priests, who have not lived up to the holiness of their character, induces me to caution those who seek my advice in regard to receiving orders, against engaging themselves unless they have a true vocation from God, a pure intention of honoring Our Lord by the imitation of His virtues, and other marks showing that His Divine Goodness calls them. "
-- St. Vincent de Paul, March 5 ,1659 (Virtues and spiritual doctrine of St. Vincent de Paul 1877)
Prayer for Vocations
V. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest.
R-. That He send labourers into His harvest. (St. Luke xi 2)
Let us pray:
O Holy Ghost, Spirit of Wisdom and Divine Love, impart Thy Knowledge, Understanding and Counsel to Youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God’s Holy Will, guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyard where they will labor in God’s holy cause.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of all Priests and Religious, turn a merciful ear to our petition that many will dedicate themselves to thy Divine Son. Prompt them to be zealous and self-sacrificing priests, Brothers and Sisters in our beloved country and in foreign missions. Help them to bring love and knowledge of the Most Holy Trinity to souls that otherwise might be lost for eternity. Amen.
Queen of Vocations, hear our prayer!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
St. Pius X, pray for us!
Catholic Research Resources Alliance: The Catholic Standard and Times Volume 65, number 27, 25 March 1960