The priestly vocation is a divine call that invites courageous men to dedicate their lives to the service of God and the community. It is a path of dedication, love, and hope that enriches both those who follow it and those they serve.
Discovering this vocation involves a process of profound discernment, where prayer plays a fundamental role. Through it, faith is strengthened, hope is fostered, and the heart is enlarged to respond to divine love. As the CARF Foundation points out, “prayer is necessary for spiritual life. This dialogue with God allows the spirit to develop.”
Pope Francis reminds us that “faith in Jesus is contagious,” and that disciples attract others through their testimony of faith, radiating joy. This joy is an essential characteristic of the priestly vocation, since a joyful priest can transmit hope and love to his community.
Why does the world need priests?
In a world facing constant challenges and crises, priests are beacons of light and hope. Their mission is not limited to celebrating the sacraments but also includes spiritual accompaniment, moral guidance, and support in times of difficulty. Priests are living witnesses to God’s love and, through their service, help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.
They offer comfort in pain, guide in confusion, and celebrate with the community in joy. In times of loneliness and hopelessness, the presence of a priest can make a difference, reminding people that they are not alone and that God is always present. Furthermore, their work in education, promoting social justice, and building caring communities is fundamental to the well-being of society.
The stories of those who have answered this call are inspiring. For example, Ajo Joy, a young man from India, discovered his vocation at age 15, influenced by his mother’s faith. Today, at 26 years old, he is preparing for the priesthood at the University of Navarra, with the desire to serve his diocese and help future religious in his country.
Another testimony is that of Father Ygor dos Santos, from Brazil, who found his vocation inspired by his parish priest and a seminarian. Currently, he is a parish priest in a neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, bringing hope and faith to his community.
These stories show us that the priestly vocation is a work of God that manifests itself in various ways, but always with a common purpose: to serve with love and dedication. It is a call to be “artificers and prophets of the community,” as Pope Francis emphasizes, reminding us that “no one is saved alone.”
If you feel in your heart the concern of a possible vocation, we encourage you to open yourself to prayer and discernment, trusting that God will guide you on the path he has prepared for you. Responding to this call is an inexhaustible source of joy and hope, both for you and for those around you.
What should the priest of the 21st century be like?
Priests of the 21st century are called to be bridges between tradition and modernity, maintaining the essence of the Gospel while responding to current challenges. Here are some key traits:
- Deeply spiritual and close to God: The life of prayer, the celebration of the sacraments and fidelity to the Word remain at the heart of their mission. A priest who is not united to Christ will hardly be able to lead others to Him.
- Close and accessible: In a world where loneliness and individualism are growing, priests must be a living presence of welcome, listening and accompaniment, showing empathy and compassion for the realities of their communities.
- Formed and updated: The priest of today needs not only solid theological training, but also knowledge in social sciences, psychology, communication and technology to understand and dialogue with today’s society.
- Creative Evangelizers: The use of new technologies and social networks is a fundamental tool to reach the digital peripheries, taking the message of Christ beyond the walls of the temple.
- Committed to social justice: Inspired by the Social Doctrine of the Church, they must be defenders of human dignity, the rights of the most vulnerable and the care of creation, in line with Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’.
- Humble and coherent: Coherence of life is essential. The faithful look for pastors who live what they preach, showing humility, transparency and an attitude of selfless service.
- Promoters of unity: In times of polarization, priests must be bridge builders, fostering reconciliation and dialogue within and outside the Church.
- Companions in discernment: They are not simple administrators of sacraments, but spiritual guides who help people discover their vocation and make decisions in the light of the Gospel.
- Open to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue: In a globalized and plural world, they must be willing to dialogue with other confessions and religions, promoting peace and mutual understanding.
- Witnesses of joy: The joy of the Gospel must be reflected in their daily lives, showing that following Christ is a source of happiness and fulfillment.
The priest of the 21st century must be a man of God, of the people and for the world, capable of integrating tradition with new realities without losing the essence of his mission: to be another Christ in the midst of society.
