MAY PRIESTS CONFORM TO CHRIST, WHO CAME TO SERVE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2003 (VIS) - Following the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica during which he ordained 31 new priests for the diocese of Rome, Pope John Paul recited the Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Before the prayer he reflected on this morning's ordinations and on vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Addressing the pilgrims from his study window, the Pope noted that today is the "40th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, whose theme is 'Behold my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom I am well pleased'. On this meaningful day I had the joy of ordaining 31 new priests. Let us thank God for such a precious gift to the Church and the world! I renew my cordial greetings to the newly ordained, to their family members and friends and all who helped form them."

"Let us pray," said the Holy Father, "so that these new priests and all priests of the world will be ever more conformed to Christ, servant of the Lord, Who came not to be served but to serve."

"I am happy," stated John Paul II, "to address a special greeting to the many young people gathered in the cathedral of Chieti, where the national celebration for the Day for Vocations took place. Dear ones, by virtue of Baptism and Confirmation, every Christian is called to be a witness of the Gospel. But, with a special calling, God has always invited some to a more total giving of self in the cause of the Kingdom. He has certainly looked upon today's young men and women. I ask all who hear His voice in their hearts to answer Him with a generous 'yes' and to nourish it, day after day, with prayer, remaining united to Jesus as branches to the vine."

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