This year, Good Shepherd Sunday falls on this upcoming Sunday, 11 May, and marks the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
To commemorate this significant occasion, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore and Chair of the Council for Vocations of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, will celebrate a televised Mass from the RTÉ studios in Donnybrook, Dublin, at 11.00am on RTÉ One.
Ossory priest Father Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator, will concelebrate the Mass. In attendance will be seminarians from Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Dundalk, and representatives from the Knights of Saint Columbanus, Youth 2000, Holy Family Mission, the Vocations Society of Saint Joseph, various religious congregations, and the Legion of Mary. Sister Moira Bergin RSM will lead the music.
Speaking about this solemn occasion, Bishop Cullinan said, “Working with young people is always a deeply rewarding experience. I’m continually inspired by how the presence of a priest captures their imagination and stirs their curiosity. They ask profound questions about life, faith, and the Church – questions that reveal a deep longing for truth and meaning. Young people need priests to guide, inspire, and walk with them on their spiritual journey. Let us pray fervently for more vocations to the priesthood, that God’s grace may be shared and His guidance made known – not only to the young, but to all.
Ahead of the Mass, Father Purcell emphasised the importance of this year’s celebration and said, “Again, this year, thousands of people will join in the televised Mass and unite in prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Our late Pope Francis, in his message for this year’s Vocations Sunday, wrote: ‘Let us never tire, then, of asking the Lord for new labourers for His harvest, certain that with great love He continues to call them. Keep walking as pilgrims of hope on the path of the Gospel!’” This powerful call to action should resonate strongly with any man considering a vocation to the priesthood.
Tune in to RTÉ One at 11.00am on Sunday, 11 May, to join this special celebration in prayer and hope for more men to be called to the Vocation of Priesthood.
ENDS