The following is a letter from Bishop Thomas Wenksi, Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, regarding the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 3rd.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Vocations to the priesthood and religious life are a priority within the Diocese of Orlando. Today, as we experience a growing population in Central Florida, we are also experiencing an increase in vocations, partly because of the prayers of our faithful for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

I appeal to you to pray for an increase in vocations so that we can continue to minister to the increasing number of Catholics in the Diocese of Orlando. Our seminarians need your prayers as they grow in their formation during this period. Our parents need your prayers so they might encourage their children to consider the possibility of a vocation to religious life. Our children need your prayers so they might discern the call of God and say yes to the possibility of becoming a priest or religious sister. Our priests and religious sisters need your prayers as they continue to lead members of Christ’s faithful in their spiritual life.

I ask you to pray daily. There are many ways you might pray for vocations, such as praying the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily or as often as you are able. You might consider receiving Communion or participating in the celebration of Mass with a vocations intention.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) God calls each one of us to a future of love. To give ourselves as a gift to God as Jesus did when he died for us on the cross is the way to true joy.

May our prayers for vocations lead those who hear the call to serve the Lord in this special way to say YES and may our prayers support them on this journey.

Most Reverend Thomas Wenski
Bishop of Orlando

Prayer for Vocations

God, our Father, we turn to you in this time of great need. We trust in your loving kindness and ask you to hear the prayers we offer for your Church.

Through your grace, we seek men to generously offer their lives to you in the vocation of priesthood.

We seek both men and women who may offer their lives to you in the vocation of religious life.

Bless and guide those who are discerning your call to holiness and service.

Give them courage, steadfast love and a spirit of charity as they seek to respond faithfully to the call to priesthood and religious life.

We offer this prayer for the Diocese of Orlando and for the whole Church in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord, forever and ever.

Amen.