Evangelization is the fruit of prayer, Pope tells seminarians and novices

July 08, 2013

Pope Francis reminded seminarians and religious novices that “evangelization is done on one’s knees,” as he celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s basilica on June 7.

The Pope told his congregation of future priests and religious that they “in a certain sense represent the moment of betrothal, the spring of vocation, the season of discovery.” Remarking on the day’s Scripture readings, he encouraged them to be mindful of “the cascade of tenderness” that comes with God’s love, and to bring that message of comfort to the people they meet. He added that another indispensable element of their mission would be a focus on the Cross. The Pope said: “And if we remain within this mystery, we are sheltered both from a worldly and triumphalistic view of mission and from the discouragement that can result from trials and failures.”

Finally the Pope underlined the importance of prayer. He reminded the seminarians: “The laborers for the harvest are not chosen through advertising campaigns or appeals of service and generosity, but they are 'chosen' and 'sent' by God.” He told them that their prayer would support any productive apostolic work they did.

Later on Sunday, at his midday Angelus audience, the Pope asked all the faithful to pray for seminarians, for novices entering religious life, and for the work of evangelization. He observed that “Jesus does not want to act alone,” but chooses people for missionary work. That work, he emphasize, is “not to socialize, to spend time together – no, the purpose is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and this is urgent!”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• The Pope to Seminarians, Novices, and Those Discerning Their Vocations (VIS)
• Angelus: Jesus Is Not an Isolated Missionary (VIS)