'Chosen, don't forget this. Chosen!:' Pope Francis sends amazing message to priests
FREE Catholic Classes
On the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis ordained eleven men into the priesthood at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday - then had plenty to say on the subject.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
4/20/2016 (9 years ago)
Published in Vocations
Keywords: Pope Francis, vocations, prayer, Jubilee of Mercy, priesthood
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis spoke to the newly appointed priests, saying, "remember your history, the gift of the Word of the Lord given to you by your mothers, your grandmothers - as Saint Paul says - by the catechists and by the whole Church."
His Holiness then asked them "to bear within" themselves "the death of Christ, to walk with Christ in newness of life" and added, "without the Cross you will never find the true Jesus; and a Cross without Jesus makes no sense."
Pope Francis called the priests to be "merciful, so very merciful" and reminded them they have been chosen. "Chosen," the pontiff stated, "don't forget this. Chosen! And the Lord has called you, one by one."
This year's World Day of Prayer for Vocations is the 53rd and falls in the Holy Year of Mercy. According to the Manila Bulletin, Pope Francis emphasized Christian vocation "is a gift of the divine mercy."
The pontiff stated his hopes for more baptisms and more people "rediscover that the Christian vocation, just like every particular vocation, is born from within the people of God, and is a gift of divine mercy."
He continued, explaining that the Church is also a house of mercy, while the soil is where vocations "take root, mature and bear fruit." Pope Francis explained each vocation in the Church originates in the "compassionate gaze of Jesus" and that "conversion and vocation are two sides of the same coin" that will always remain connected.
His Holiness then called for prayers.
He asked for believers to pray for vocations and to pick up the mantle God has placed at their feet.
"Vocations are born within the Church. Vocations grow within the Church. Vocations are sustained by the Church," Poe Francis described.
All masses that day included the Prayer for Vocations and a Holy Hour for Vocations different Churches and organizations participated in. Mass and intentions were offered for vocations to the priesthood and religious life while Gospel reflections focused on Jesus, the good shepherd, who "laid down His life for His sheep."
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

The Cowards of the Capitol: How the U.S. House of Representatives Sold Out the American People

Secret Drone War: How Israel Pulled Off the Covert Strikes Inside Iran

Israel’s Pre‑emptive Strike: Operation Rising Lion Shakes the Region
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Monday, June 16, 2025
St. John Francis Regis: Saint of the Day for Monday, June 16, 2025
Prayers before Holy Communion: Prayer of the Day for Monday, June 16, 2025
Daily Readings for Sunday, June 15, 2025
St. Germaine Cousin: Saint of the Day for Sunday, June 15, 2025
- Prayer for God's Blessing of One's Daily Work: Prayer of the Day for Sunday, June 15, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.