Vocations thrive in parishes with 'spiritual soil,' pope says

Published: 2008-02-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Parish communities with a real sense of obligation to spread the Gospel are places where vocations to be missionary priests and religious thrive, said Pope Benedict XVI. "Vocations to the ministerial priesthood and to the consecrated life can only flourish in a spiritual soil that is well cultivated," he said in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The papal message for the day of prayer, which will be observed April 13 in most countries, was released Feb. 22 at the Vatican. The 2008 theme is "Vocations at the Service of the Church on Mission." In his message, Pope Benedict insisted that the task of explicitly proclaiming the Gospel to those who do not know Jesus Christ is still at the heart of the vocation of every Christian.

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