CCEE-COMECE
The crisis of vocations in Europe represents a “great problem” and a cause of “deep concern” for the Church. For vocations are fundamental for “ensuring the proclamation of the Gospel in Europe today”, said Father Jean-Pierre Leroy, who heads the Office for Vocations of the Belgian Bishops’ Conference, in presenting the programme for the next meeting of the European Vocations Service (EVS) due to be held at Zadar (Croatia) from 28 June to 1 July. “The European cultural context – explains Father Leroy – is unfavourable to vocations, especially in terms of the difficulties the young have in making life-long commitments. A vocation to religious life and to the priesthood is a commitment for life and for God”. The theme chosen for this year’s meeting is “The family: place of vocation”. “We ascertain in seminaries and religious congregations – explains Father Leroy – that many vocations are born within the family”. It is essential, however, for the family to be a “place of meditation” where the young can find stability, parental love and spirit of brotherhood”. But it must also be a “place of mission” where they can learn “service, assistance to others, and opening to the world”. All these are “conditions essential for accepting a vocation and responding to its call. Human qualities are needed for this, and these can especially be learned in the family”.
