Vocations: Msgr. Turazzi (San Marino-Montefeltro), “every existence must be interpreted as a response to a call, which makes it find its place”
“We are more sensitive to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, but the discussion is broader. Every Christian existence must be interpreted as a vocation, a response to a call, which makes it possible to find its place ”. This was written by the bishop of San Marino-Montefeltro, mgr. Andrea Turazzi, in the letter to the faithful of the diocese in view of the 59th World Day for Vocations.
After requesting that for Friday 6 May, at 8.30 pm, the Diocesan Vocations Center has started a choral prayer in Valdragone at the shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Msgr. Turazzi underlines that “the fourth Sunday of Easter, known as the ‘Good Shepherd’, this year Sunday 8 May is particularly dedicated to prayer for vocations”. “I recommend that prayers be made in every parish, church and community of the diocese”, the bishop’s exhortation. The theme of the day is “Making history” (FT 116).
“The shortage of vocations – observes Msgr. Turazzi – is a reason for willingness to build Christian communities and to serve the Gospel. In reality the Lord does not stop calling. He does not forget his Church and the Holy Spirit raises up new apostles for our time ”. “The problem – he notes – is another: how are our communities, families and young people in terms of faith? Do we welcome vocations? Do we know how to cultivate them? Are we aware of new vocations such as the diaconate or other frontier vocational forms? ”. “Our communities, never as today, are called to show courageous imagination”, the bishop’s invitation, admonishing: “It is wrong to think that it is a problem of others, a commitment of bishops or pastoral workers. It is not evangelical to pray like this: ‘Lord, send workers into your harvest; send others, not me, send someone from the neighboring family… ‘. A community without vocations is like a home without children ”. Finally, “a desire: that our diocese give vocations to the Church; that it is a community that prays (prayer is listening to and welcoming the will of God); that it is a community that calls (not only in patient waiting, but capable of courageous proposals); that it is a missionary community, where the question is not where to go, but – concludes the bishop – how can I serve the Lord where I am ”.