Spanish bishop urges prayer for vocations

In his latest pastoral letter, Bishop Demetrio Fernandez of Cordoba, Spain encouraged Catholics to continually pray for vocations, stressing that the Church is in great need of them.

“Prayer for vocations is an intention we should constantly have present,” Bishop Fernandez said, noting that this Sunday, April 29 is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

“This day of prayer leads us to hope for a new Pentecost and that many young people may feel attracted by this way of living the Gospel in its purest essence,” he said.

Vocations are a gift from God, the bishop said, because he calls us by touching our hearts. God’s call never violates our freedom, but instead “heals it so that it can more free to respond.”

A vocation implies a personal response, Bishop Fernandez explained, by which a person gives himself in service to others. “A vocation is a gift that is cultivated in the community, in the Church,” he said.

Referring for those who have already responded to God’s call through their consecration, Bishop Fernandez underscored that vocations are contagious and that God uses those who have responded to his call to inspire others to join them.

“Let us pray to the Lord that, through his infinite charity, he will send us new vocations in all areas to confront the task of the New Evangelization with hope,” he said.