Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Esztergom (Agenzia Fides) - “Come and See. The Priest: Witness and Servant of Vocations” was the theme for the annual meeting of the EVS (European Vocations Service), which was held in Esztergom, Hungary, July 1-4. In the concluding document sent to Fides, it spoke of the participation of 53 delegates from 15 national churches of Europe, to which is added the Director of Religious Vocations Ministry in the U.S. In addition to studying the issues and exchanging experiences related to vocations in the Church, there was also prayer for vocations, which took the Benedictine Abbey of Pannohalma, and with a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Esztergom.
The talk given by biblical scholar Bishop János Székely, Auxiliary Bishop of Esztergom-Budapest, focused on the testimony of the prophets in Israel, stressing that the prophetic movement is not exclusive to the biblical world, and that the person is more important than the message and mission that is entrusted to them. Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues, Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education, stressed that personal encounter with God is the source of all vocations, especially the priestly vocation. He, called by baptism to be Christ's presence in the world, has the ministry, by the sacred ordination, to guide his brothers as a servant of all vocations, above all through his testimony involving the family of origin, the Christian community, and the priestly community that is called to be a witness of fraternal life.
Father Mario Llanos Oscar SDB, professor at the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome, using data compiled for a recent survey, highlighted the need for greater attention to all vocations and the need for more effort and preparation in accompanying the discernment of those who answer the call. Archbishop Juan Maria Uriarte, Bishop Emeritus of San Sebastian (Spain), presented a pedagogical reflection on an urgent need to promote vocations to the priesthood. The testimony of fraternal life and the proclamation of Christ by words and actions encourage the flourishing of vocations. In addition to group sessions work, during the meeting they were presented with three significant testimonies from the National Centers in Hungary, France, and Italy. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 06/07/2010)
