World Day of Prayer for Vocations

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Catholic Church celebrates the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day set aside to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Lk 10:2). The theme for 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life.”   While upholding all vocations, on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations,  members of the Church most especially pray that young men or women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life, or secular institutes.  “Every vocation is inspired by hope, marked by confident trust in God’s providence. For Christians, hope is more than mere human optimism: it is a certainty based on our faith in God, who is at work in each of our lives,” Pope Francis wrote in his World Day of Prayer for Vocations message, issued a month before his death. The pope urged all to support young people as they seek to discern the vocation to which God is calling them. “A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart; rather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves and hopes. No one can respond to God’s call alone, for all of us need the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters,” the pope wrote. The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is celebrated annually on Good Shepherd Sunday, which is the fourth Sunday of Easter. The day was instituted by Pope  Paul VI in 1963. During Masses, prayers for vocations will be offered, and all are asked to join on this day in praying for vocations.

Prayer For Vocations

God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that You inspire young people whom You call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will. Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the Sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.