Priesthood

More than 200 parish priests chosen by their bishops’ conferences or Eastern Catholic synods attended a four-day meeting in Rome to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing synod on synodality.

From a Christian standpoint, perhaps no component of our baptismal mission is more important or urgent today than our duty to help young people discern their vocation in life.

Ahead of the 60th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 30, a newly released report shows what one researcher called greater “consistency of age,” more diverse educational backgrounds and a commitment to Eucharistic adoration among men preparing for priestly ordination.

The 2023 “State of Priestly Vocations in the United States” by Texas-based Vocation Ministry concludes that “the overall role of priests in fostering vocations is significant,” with “around 70% of those ordained” reporting that they were invited by a priest to consider the calling.

Pope Francis urged the seminarians to listen to God by making room for him in their lives every day and praying in silence before the tabernacle.

“Our vocation, that place to which we are called to give ourselves, is the field. It looks different for each of us depending on what God calls us to, but the treasure is always Christ.”

Brother Daniel Hernandez’s ordination is set for July 9 at Holy Cross in Onamia.

In an open letter, 74 bishops from North America, Africa, Italy and Australia have expressed their “growing concern” about the German Synodal Path process and content, warning about its “potential for schism.”