Laity: Seedbed of Vocation

Recognizing the role of the laity in the growth of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, the Archdiocese of Davao has launched the celebration of Vocation Month with the theme, “Laity: Seedbed of Vocation.”

Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles officiated the Holy Eucharist together with priest concelebrants serving the Archdiocese of Davao and other parts of the country. The mass was held at the San Pedro Cathedral Parish in Davao City, August 29.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles said although marriage is a form of vocation, the local church is putting a slant on the vocation to the priesthood and religious life especially that the Church needs a number of priests and religious life to serve the flock.

The archbishop added that vocation is the calling of God saying “we bring ourselves closer to him. We become familiar to him.”

He said the challenge of today especially for the laity is to encourage young people to hear the voice of God, that young people distinctly hear the call of God to become a priest, a religious brother or a sister.

“There are many voices in the world today competing with the voice of God,” said he.

He also told young people coming from different schools attending the Holy Eucharist that they or their parents have dreams for themselves to become professionals in different fields but when God calls, they forget their dreams.

“We are like you in many ways. He chooses us to bring his love, mercy and compassion to the world,” the Archbishop said, relating their lives as priests and religious to the young people.

He also cited Pope Francis as example for the young people. He said Pope Francis is like a rock star of the world.

“The world is a friend. The world is nice. Because of sin, the world is an enemy,” the Archbishop said, also hoping that young people can follow different values and choices that do not conform to what the world say.

“Only by being close to the Lord that we find immense joy in life,” the Archbishop ended.