For Priestly and Religious Vocations

Prayer of St Paul VI for vocations, composed for the V World Day of Prayer for Vocations (1968). The Pope asks the Good Shepherd to send laborers into his harvest, and the Virgin Mary, Mother and Teacher of the called, to care for the vocations sprouting in the heart of the Church.

O Lord Jesus, who hast called those whom thou hast willed, call many to serve thee as priests and religious. Thou who hast enlightened with thy word those whom thou hast called, enlighten them with the gift of perseverance in thy love. Thou who hast sent them to labor in thy harvest, send laborers into thy harvest, that the Gospel may be preached to every creature. Thou who hast nourished them with thy Body and Blood, nourish them and make them grow on the way that leads to eternal life.

Show forth the truth of thy promise: may they offer themselves in sacrifice, may they merit the joy of thy Kingdom. May Mary, thy Mother and ours, guide and Teacher of the called, embrace and protect the vocations now being prepared to serve thee, and may they faithfully persevere in the works for which thou hast destined them. Thou who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.