This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of the Easter season is traditionally called ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ as we take our gospel story from the Good Shepherd chapter of The Gospel of John, Chapter 10. It is also a designated day of prayer for vocations for the Priesthood and the Religious and Consecrated Life.
As we know only too well, there is as great a need for new vocations today as at any time in the past. Like the apostles always did we too are asked to continually pray to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into the harvest because although the harvest is very rich, the labourers are few.
I ask you to remember today and in the days ahead all those who serve us in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd – our Holy Father, Pope Francis, our bishop Donal and all the priests, and those in religious or consecrated life who minister in our diocese. Please also say one for me!