Originally published at Southern Cross
By Justin McLellan
VATICAN CITY — Amid widespread uncertainty and social fragmentation, Pope Francis urged young people to embrace their vocation as “pilgrims of hope,” offering their lives generously in service to others and as a response to God’s love.
Every vocation in the Church — to ordained ministry, consecrated life or life as a layperson — ” is a sign of God’s hope for the world and for each of his children,” the pope wrote in his message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations to be observed May 11.
“A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in the heart,” the pope wrote. “It is a call to go out of ourselves and begin a journey of love and service.”
The Vatican released the pope’s message, titled “Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life,” on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph. Pope Francis said the theme reflects the need for Christians, especially youth, to live their faith courageously amid economic, social and spiritual challenges.
“In our time, many young people feel lost about the future,” he wrote. “They often experience uncertainty about job prospects and, more profoundly, an identity crisis, which is also a crisis of meaning
