WANTED: a few good spouses

VATICAN CITY, MAY 3, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the Church needs holy spouses who can teach their children by example how best to use their freedom.The Pope invited the faithful to pray for all types of vocations today when he prayed the midday Regina Caeli with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Today marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and the Holy Father's message for this year's celebration focused on faith in the divine initiative and the human response."

In fact, trust in the Lord, which continuously calls to sanctity and, for some in particular, to a special consecration, is expressed precisely in prayer," the Pontiff said. "As much personally as in community, we have to pray a lot for vocations, so that the greatness and the beauty of the love of God attracts many to follow Christ on the path of the priesthood and the consecrated life."

The Pope made this invitation just after he had ordained 19 new priests for the Diocese of Rome during a Mass held in St. Peter's Square.He continued by noting the need for holy married couples: "It is also necessary to pray as well so that there are holy spouses, capable of indicating to their children, above all by example, the horizons to which they should tend toward with their liberty."

The Bishop of Rome suggested entrusting both intentions to the saints: "The men and women saints that the Church proposes for the veneration of all the faithful give witness to the mature fruit of this union between the divine call and the human response. Let us entrust to their heavenly intercession our prayer for vocations."