PRESENT PRIESTLY VOCATION IN ITS ENTIRETY

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father sent a letter to Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, archbishop of Montreal, Canada, on the occasion of the congress concerning the pastoral care of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life which is taking place from April 18 to 22 in Rome.

In the letter made public today and dated April 12, the Pope recalls that "the theme of the congress - 'Vocation: Gift from God' - expresses well the fundamental dimension of the priestly or religious vocation, and inspires all the participants to live the days of the congress in a fervent climate, invoking the light and strength of the Holy Spirit."

"The census of apostolic efforts in Canada" shows that "some seminaries are being filled with candidates for the priesthood, and that certain religious congregations have many vocations, thanks to, among other things, the vocational fecundity of more recent communities and ecclesial movements."

"Apropos of the call to the priestly ministry, I want to underline that it cannot be considered a call among many others; in fact, the fulfillment and development of all other vocations depends on it. A priest represents Christ in his roles as Master, Shepherd, Priest and Spouse."

John Paul II affirms that the Lord's voice "is frequently drown out by other calls that unfortunately distract the spirit of the youth, and also by some ideas about the priesthood and priestly ministry that do not conform to the faith and Church tradition. In the face of this, capillary pastoral action is necessary, capable of presenting this vocation in its entirety and of offering useful help to those who are the object of the Lord's invitation."

JPII-LETTER;VOCATIONS;...;MONTREAL; TURCOTTE;VIS;20020419;Word: 280;