With World Day of Prayer for Vocations this weekend, Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Cecilia Joy Kugel and Father Enrique Hernandez, a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, talk about a call from God. Father Enrique, who calls himself ‘a happy priest’, is currently chaplain and interim director for the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Newman Center and associate pastor at St. Robert Parish, Shorewood and Holy Family Parish, Whitefish Bay. Listen to their conversation.
Is God calling you? Consider Pope Francis’ words on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, or better, read his entire address.
“The first word of vocation, then, is gratitude. Taking the right course is not something we do on our own, nor does it depend solely on the road we choose to travel. How we find fulfilment in life is more than a decision we make as isolated individuals; above all else, it is a response to a call from on high. The Lord points out our destination on the opposite shore and he grants us the courage to board the boat. In calling us, he becomes our helmsman; he accompanies and guides us; he prevents us from running aground on the shoals of indecision and even enables us to walk on surging waters.”
“The Lord knows that a fundamental life choice – like marriage or special consecration to his service – calls for courage. He knows the questions, doubts and difficulties that toss the boat of our heart, and so he reassures us: “Take heart, it is I; have no fear!”
“…despite our frailty and poverty, faith enables us to walk towards the Risen Lord and to weather every storm. Whenever fatigue or fear make us start to sink, Jesus holds out his hand to us. He gives us the enthusiasm we need to live our vocation with joy and fervour.”
“Dear friends, on this day in particular, but also in the ordinary pastoral life of our communities, I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say “yes” to God, to overcome all weariness through faith in Christ, and to make of their lives a song of praise for God, for their brothers and sisters, and for the whole world. May the Virgin Mary accompany us and intercede for us.”
The world needs you. God calls you. We invite you.