Youth urged to embrace vocations as Pilgrims of Hope

Mar 28, 2025

VATICAN: In his message for the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis calls on young people to courageously listen to God’s voice and embrace their calling, offering their lives as “pilgrims of hope.” The message, titled Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life, was released on March 19, the feast of St Joseph, and invites the global Church to reflect on the vital role of vocations in a world troubled by uncertainty, social fragmentation, and a crisis of meaning.

The Pope emphasised that every vocation — whether to ordained ministry, consecrated life, or lay service — represents a sign of God’s hope for the world. He described vocation as a precious gift, sown deep within the heart, urging young people to view their calling as an invitation to love and serve others. “A vocation is a call to go out of ourselves and begin a journey of love and service,” Pope Francis wrote. He reminded them that true service is not about self-promotion but about answering God’s invitation to share His love with others.

This year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be observed on May 11, falls on Good Shepherd Sunday — a day traditionally dedicated to praying for those discerning a call to ministry. Pope Francis’ message is timely, addressing the struggles faced by today’s youth. Many feel uncertain about their futures due to economic instability, identity crises, and the confusion caused by the digital age, war, and widespread injustice. Despite these challenges, the Pope assured young people that God does not abandon them in their moments of doubt. “He wants us to know that we are loved, called, and sent as pilgrims of hope,” he said.

The Holy Father further explained that vocational discernment is not a solitary journey but one that unfolds within the Christian community. Young people are encouraged to seek prayerful reflection and listen to God’s voice amidst the noise of daily life. “The world pushes you to make hurried decisions and fills your days with noise,” he observed. “Have the courage to stop, to listen within, and to ask God what He dreams for you.”

For the Pope, vocational discernment is about encountering God’s call personally but also being open to the guidance of others. He called on pastors and vocation directors to support young people patiently, offering wise counsel and respectful listening. “A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart,” Pope Francis reminded. “It grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves, and hopes.”

The Pope also reflected on the lives of young saints, including St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Dominic Savio, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, as examples of how a vocation is rooted in love and service to others, not self-affirmation. Blessed Frassati, who will be canonised on August 3, 2025, during the Jubilee of Young People, is a prime example of how young people can live a vocation devoted to service and joyfully bear witness to Christ.

Central to Pope Francis’ message is the importance of hope in vocational life. He stressed that vocations must be grounded in trust in God’s providence, even amid personal and societal struggles. “Hope in God does not disappoint,” he said. Young people who respond to God’s call with hope and courage, the Pope added, will be the ones to lead the Church and the world forward in faith. He urged them to be courageous in dedicating their lives to Christ and joyful in living as His missionary disciples.

In conclusion, Pope Francis called on Christians worldwide to pray for vocations and trust that the Holy Spirit will inspire young people to embrace their calling. “Let us never tire of asking the Lord for new labourers for His harvest, certain that with great love He continues to call them,” he said. The Pope invited all to keep walking as “pilgrims of hope” on the path of the Gospel.

The message also serves as a reminder to all members of the Church — especially pastors and vocation directors — to offer their support and guidance to young people as they discern their vocations. Pope Francis emphasised the need for ongoing prayer for an increase in vocations, underscoring that the Church thrives when it generates new calls to serve. “The world often unwittingly seeks witnesses of hope,” he said, “and those who dedicate their lives to Christ offer the joy and hope that the world so desperately needs.”--Agencies