For Bangkok’s archbishop, promoting vocations is the task of all Christians
In his message for the 54th Day of prayer for vocations, Mgr Kriengsak Kovitvanitij stresses that “the family is the first institution that shapes” discernment and is important in today’s society. Everyone – parishes, catechists, priests, bishops – should contribute to the growth of the Thai Church.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Mgr Kriengsak kovitvanitij, archbishop of Bangkok and president of the Episcopal Commission for the pastoral care of Christians, has released a message for the 54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In it, he says that all Catholics who are disciples of Christ are tasked with promoting vocations.
The archbishop notes that the General Assembly of the Thai Church held in 2015 concluded that "Every Christian is a child of God and, through baptism, becomes part of the Mystical Body of Our Lord and of the Temple of the Holy Spirit". Thus, "it follows that Christians should enjoy a mature life and be witness of the unity in Christ for our brothers and sisters."
Every Christian has the duty of promoting vocations, both secular and religious. "For this reason, I invite every Catholic to pay special attention to this aspect, at this time when the challenges of the Church are bigger than never".
The family "is the first institution that shapes the vocation, followed by the parish and by participation in the life of the Church. Teachers and those involved in educating young people have to nurture and support the care for vocations in freedom."
Similarly, "priests must be examples of disciples dedicated to a life of joyful diligence, working in fraternity and with care for the little ones."
Even the place of the bishop, Mgr Kovithavanij says, is important for the encouragement of vocations. He "has to behave like a father and assist those who are called to the priesthood in every way possible."
For the prelate, this particular form of vocation "is all the more necessary given the conditions in society that undermine religious education. Hence, I invite all Catholics to realise how important it is to educate children in Christianity, to love God and ensure a future for the Church and its pastoral work. "
At the end of the message, the archbishop entrusts certain tasks on Church organisations: “Parish communities should pray for vocations and bear living testimony to the faith [. . .]. Families should be ready to sacrifice themselves to support vocations and respond adequately [. . .]. Catechists and chaplains should encourage young people and educate them in faith through prayers [. . .]. Seminarians, priests and bishops should be ready to change pastoral methods so that they interest people and are appropriate for their time."
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