On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Holy Father Pope Francis ordained sixteen men to the priesthood, including eleven for the Diocese of Rome. In his homily, based on a pre-set formula for Masses of Ordination, His Holiness Pope Francis called the new priests to not grow tired of being merciful.
As reported by Vatican Radio, Holy Father remarked that “May your teaching be nourishment to the People of God and the perfume of your life be joy and support to the faithful of Christ. May your word and example edify the House of God which is the Church.”
Holy Father concluded his remarks by encouraging the new priests to be intent on pleasing God alone, rather than themselves or other human persons, or seeking other selfish interests. The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is observed each year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. In each of the three annual lectionary cycles, the Fourth Sunday of Easter includes a Gospel focusing on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
