National Vocations Awareness Week is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education. During this time, we renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

---

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

April 21, 2024

Pope St. Paul VI established the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 1963. It was first held in 1964. The year 2024 will be the 61st World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In his annual message, Pope Francis chose the theme, “Called to sow seeds of hope and to build peace.”

Pope Francis’ Message for the 61st
World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Pope St. Pius VI composed the following prayer for the first World Day of Prayer for Vocations:

A Prayer for Vocations by Pope Saint Paul VI

O Jesus, Divine Shepherd of Souls, who called the Apostles to become fishers of men, now call the ardent and generous hearts of our youth to make them Your followers and ministers. Let them share your thirst for that universal redemption for which you daily renew Your sacrifice upon the altar.

O Lord Jesus, “always living to make intercession for us,” extend our horizons to the entire world, where so many brethren make silent supplication for the light of truth and the warmth of love, so that answering Your call, many young men may prolong here Your mission, edify your Mystical Body, the Church, and become “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Extend, O Lord, Your loving call to many pure and generous-hearted young women, that they may grow in their desire for evangelical perfection and may dedicate themselves to the service of the Church and their neighbors who so desperately need such assistance and charity. Amen.