Long gone are the days where people imagine priests as elderly and out of touch with the younger generation. A recent study by Georgetown University shows that most men preparing to be ordained priests in the United States are 31 or younger.
Just under 400 seminarians participated in the survey. It showed 83% were from a dicoese or eparchy and 17% were religious.
April 21 marks the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This year, Pope Francis' theme for the day is: “Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace.”
The Pope has spoken about the important role religious and consecrated people play in every day life.
POPE FRANCIS
Every consecrated person, every religious, every priest is called, like St. Joseph, to have a father's heart, that is, a restless heart focused on loving and caring for the sons and daughters entrusted to his care. They are especially to care for the most fragile, those who suffer, and those who have never experienced paternal love.
Pope St. Paul VI created this day for vocations during the Second Vatican Council to encourage people worldwide to respond to the call to vocations and pray for those discerning their call to religious life.
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