Pope says religious vocation means giving life to God, church

Published: 2007-04-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A vocation to the priesthood or religious life consists of giving one's life not only to God, but also to the church so that it leads people into communion with God, said Pope Benedict XVI. "God has always chosen some individuals to work with him in a more direct way in order to accomplish his plan of salvation," Pope Benedict said. Jesus taught the apostles about God and his love for them, which led them into a relationship with God, the pope said. Jesus then entrusted the apostles with leading others into a relationship with God, he said. The church has been given the same task, the pope said in a message released April 24 for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2007. The theme for the day, celebrated April 29 in most dioceses, is "The Vocation to the Service of the Church as Communion." Pope Benedict was to mark the day by ordaining 22 new priests for the Diocese of Rome.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .