World Day of Prayer will be observed on Sunday, April 25, 2021 also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.  While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in the particular sense of mission “ad gentes”.  2021 marks the 58th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

Pope Francis’ message for world day of Prayer for Vocations is listed below in both English and Spanish.  His message is titled: St. Joseph: The Dream of Vocation.

Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations (English)

Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations (Spanish)

Resources for promoting vocations can be found on the USCCB website. Additional resources are available through Vianney Vocations.  Please click this link for more information.