April 21st marks the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations. “This Day,” Pope Francis says, “is always a good occasion to recall with gratitude to the Lord the faithful, persevering and frequently hidden efforts of all those who have responded to a call that embraces their entire existence. I think of mothers and fathers who do not think first of themselves or follow fleeting fads of the moment but shape their lives through relationships marked by love and graciousness, openness to the gift of life and commitment to their children and their growth in maturity. I think of all those who carry out their work in a spirit of cooperation with others, and those who strive in various ways to build a more just world, a more solidary economy, a more equitable social policy and a more humane society. In a word, of all those men and women of good will who devote their lives to working for the common good. I think too of all those consecrated men and women who offer their lives to the Lord in the silence of prayer and in apostolic activity, sometimes on the fringes of society, tirelessly and creatively exercising their charism by serving those around them. And I think of all those who have accepted God’s call to the ordained priesthood, devoting themselves to the preaching of the Gospel, breaking open their own lives, together with the bread of the Eucharist, for their brothers and sisters, sowing seeds of hope and revealing to all the beauty of God’s kingdom.”

Hence, we pray that our young people may prayerfully discern the path that God calls them to take – marriage, priesthood, consecrated life and single blessedness. Equally important is our prayer for more married men and their wives to discern the vocation to the diaconate. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Mt. 9, 37-38)

We are also reminded of the important role of the family as seedbed for vocations. Bishop Earl Boyea emphasizes that, “Mothers and fathers, united in marriage, are the first witnesses to love for their children. It is within the family that children are taught the faith, learn the meaning of love, and grow in virtue. It is through the love and support of the family that children develop into the men and women God calls them to be.”

Latest CARA report indicates that there are 475 men who are scheduled to be ordained this year in the US. In a survey participated in by 392 ordinands, (representing 128 dioceses and eparchies and 29 distinct religious institutes in the United States), it is noteworthy that “on average, respondents first considered a priestly vocation when they were 16 years old. The youngest age reported was three years old and the oldest was 53 years old. The average age at ordination was 34 years old. Since 1999, the average age was 35 and ranged between 33 and 37. Most respondents are White/Caucasian (67%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (18%), Asian/Pacific Islander (11%) and Black/African American (2%). Of those who are foreignborn (23%), the most common countries of origin are Mexico (5%), Vietnam (4%), Colombia (3%), and the Philippines (2%). Of those who worked full-time before entering seminary (70%), the most common fields of employment were education (21%), business (16%), and Church ministry (13%).”

Pope Francis says this to young people, and especially those who feel distant or uncertain about the Church: “Let Jesus draw you to himself; bring him your important questions by reading the Gospels; let him challenge you by his presence, which always provokes in us a healthy crisis. More than anyone else, Jesus respects our freedom. He does not impose, but proposes. Make room for him and you will find the way to happiness by following him. And, should he ask it of you, by giving yourself completely to him.”