Spanish bishop says a community's vitality seen in vocations

Madrid, Spain, Jul 9, 2012 / 11:09 am

Bishop Demetrio Fernandez of Cordoba in Spain called on Catholics to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life, noting their crucial role in the life of the Church.

"The vitality of a Christian community can be measured by the vocations it receives and inspires for the edification of the House of God," he said in his weekly newsletter, dated July 5.

"Each vocation is a miracle of God, an exceptional gift."

Bishop Fernandez urged members of the faith to create a climate that is favorable and welcoming to "all vocations of special consecration to God." In this way, "We all come out winners," he said.

The local ordination of six new priests this year is "the culmination of a year of blessings from God for our Diocese of Cordoba," he continued. "In addition we have fifteen new candidates entering the seminary to prepare for the priesthood."

Bishop Fernandez also expressed joy at the upcoming proclamation on of St. John of Avila as a Doctor of the Church on Oct.7 in Rome.

"It will be a culminating moment in the history of our Diocese of Cordoba" and of the Church in Spain, "which feels the urgency of making this giant of holiness and teacher of saints known more and more."

He concluded by inviting Spaniards to give thanks to God for their parishes and the different ecclesial realities, as well for Christian families and lay people who bear witness to Christ.

"We thank God for Catholic schools, those run by our parishes or by so many other religious congregations who serve the Gospel in this noble cause," the bishop said.