Vocations Archives

Pope urges that the best priests be sent to the peripheries

May 2, 2017

During an unexpected visit, Pope Francis met with novices of the Salesian order and offered some advice on vocations and discernment . The pope stressed that the criteria for selecting novices is that “they be normal” and added that “in the peripheries we must send the best!”

Why married priests won’t really fix the shortage

The priest shortage has been a major concern for the Catholic Church as today there is only one priest for every 1,800 Catholics in the U.S. But married priests may not provide the necessary solution. This article explores the reasons that led to celibate priests and the possible alternatives to foster vocations.

Pope Francis signals openness to ordaining married men
- Global Church
- March 8, 2017
In a new interview with a German newspaper, Pope Francis addresses the issue of married priests, saying simply making celibacy optional is ‘not a solution’ but signaling openness to the idea of ordaining the ‘viri probati,’ or tested married men.
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Over 200 Americans took religious vows last year
- Catholic News Agency, Church in the US
- February 5, 2017
Sources of encouragement and discouragement were also examined in the survey. About half said a parish priest encouraged their vocation, while over 40 percent said their friends encouraged their vocation.
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Culture alone cannot be blamed for drop in vocations, pope says
- Catholic News Service, Vatican
- January 30, 2017
The number of religious-order priests in the world has been constantly declining but cultural issues are not the only factor and religious orders need to change in order to foster vocations. “Alongside much holiness, there also are situations of counter-witness that make fidelity difficult,” Pope Francis said.
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