Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale350

think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth

and justice? Many of the examples of the suffering which our saints re-

sponded to with compassion are still found here in this city and beyond.

And new injustices have arisen: some are complex and stem from the exploi-

tation of the heart and manipulation of the mind; even our common habitat,

the earth itself, groans under the weight of consumerist greed and irrespon-

sible exploitation. We must listen deeply. We must respond with a renewed

social action that stems from the universal love that knows no bounds. In

this way, we ensure that our works of mercy and justice become hope in

action for others.

Dear young people, finally I wish to share a word about vocations. First

of all my thoughts go to your parents, grandparents and godparents. They

have been your primary educators in the faith. By presenting you for bap-

tism, they made it possible for you to receive the greatest gift of your life. On

that day you entered into the holiness of God himself. You became adoptive

sons and daughters of the Father. You were incorporated into Christ. You

were made a dwelling place of his Spirit. Let us pray for mothers and fathers

throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way

- socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony

and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families

that vocations are given life.

Gathered here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present

and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to

know that your numbers are increasing! The People of God look to you to

be holy priests, on a daily journey of conversion, inspiring in others the desire

to enter more deeply into the ecclesial life of believers. I urge you to deepen

your friendship with Jesus the Good Shepherd. Talk heart to heart with him.

Reject any temptation to ostentation, careerism, or conceit. Strive for a

pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity and humility, in imitation

of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons.14

Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before

the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.

Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests contribute greatly to the mission

of the Church. Their prophetic witness is marked by a profound conviction of

14 Cf. Pastores Dabo Vobis, 33.