Fatima, Portugal, May 12, 2010 / 15:55 pm
Drawing inspiration from the Year for Priests, the Pope emphasized the importance of new vocations and fidelity to one's vocation in his homily at the celebration of Vespers in Fatima. The Church, he said, has a mission to bring men and women to Christ and "we are responsible for proclaiming the faith, the whole faith, with all its demands."
The Holy Father presided over Vespers with priests, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, deacons and representatives of lay ministries and ecclesial movements at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Fatima on Wednesday evening.
During the homily, Pope Benedict expressed recognition and appreciation for all people who have given their lives to Christ, in particular for their fidelity to the Gospel and the Church, as well as their witness, "often silent and certainly not easy."
The greatest concern of every Christian, he continued, "especially of every consecrated person or minister of the altar, must be fidelity, loyalty to one’s own vocation, as a disciple who wishes to follow the Lord.