Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. My deadline for this column comes before the start of the conclave, which means I have no comments to make on the new pope, should he be elected before Sunday – such thought shall have to wait until next week, God willing. In the meantime, in keeping with the special devotional element of May, I would like to once again encourage all households in the parish to pray the Rosary together daily or at least weekly. Today in particular, I invite you to pray the Rosary for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for the new pope.

In the Gospel today, Jesus the Good Shepherd reminds us that he knows us through and through. Not only does He know us, but we also know Him. “My sheep hear my voice.” We are able to discern and recognize the voice of Jesus when He speaks to us, though it is not always easy. Fortunately, we have help. Go back in John’s Gospel to the story of the wedding feast at Cana. Before Jesus performs His first public miracle, Mary approaches her Son to ask a favor. She then turns to the servants at the feast and utters her last recorded words: “Do whatever He tells you.” Mary’s words remain the last word for us today. In our lives, doing whatever Jesus tells us is the highest and most important goal. In praying the Rosary, we will find a Mother who always guides and encourages us in that holy pursuit.

Venerable Patrick Peyton attributed his own vocation to the priesthood to the spirit of faith instilled in him by his parents, demonstrated each night as they gathered their nine children to pray the Rosary together in their home in Co. Mayo, Ireland. As he suffered tuberculosis during his priestly formation, he was reminded of the faith his mother had instilled in him, which led him to turn to the Rosary, and through that prayer, the Virgin Mary obtained a miraculous cure. On this Mother’s Day, we ought to remember the power of a mother’s influence and faith in her son’s life, and especially the power of a mother’s prayer for her child’s vocation. In this bulletin, you’ll find some tips for families to help you build the practice of praying the family Rosary. In addition to the prayer intentions I’ve listed above, please also remember to pray in thanksgiving for your mother!

Peace,

Fr. Sam