PASTORAL CARE OF VOCATIONS IN THE LATIN PATRIARCHAL VICARIATE OF CYPRUS
A Year of Prayer for Vocation (2025–2026)
Pastoral care of vocations involves actively promoting and nurturing vocations within the Church. It is an essential dimension of the Church’s overall pastoral mission. As part of diocesan pastoral care, vocation promotion plays a central role, described by Pope John Paul II as “a natural and essential dimension for the life of the Church and for her evangelizing action” (Pastores Dabo Vobis, no. 34).
For this reason, the Latin Church in Cyprus has dedicated the pastoral year—from 26 October 2025 to 14 June 2026—to prayer for vocations.
The theme of this Year of Vocations is:
“Take courage; get up, he is calling you” (Mk 10:49)
with the motto:
“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” (Is 6:8).
God’s call is a grace that urges us toward mission. It is His presence that accompanies us, igniting our hearts and inviting us to journey together. What is needed is courage—and a generous response.
The main objective of the Vocational Year 2025–2026 is:
“to promote a culture of vocation in ecclesial communities, families, and society, so that they become environments conducive to awakening all vocations as a grace and mission in the service of the Kingdom of God.”
In this vision, the Church is understood as a community of men and women, each with a vocation. All are called to walk together in following Jesus Christ, making both a personal and communal commitment to reveal His presence in the world and to become bearers of life and hope—even in times of difficulty.
Throughout this Year of Vocations, the Latin Church of Cyprus dedicates each month to prayer for a specific vocation:
- October & November: All vocations
- December: The Christian family vocation
- January & February: Consecrated life
- March & April: Vocations to the priesthood
- May & June: Missionary
Prayer Groups for Vocations and Celebrations of the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Prayer Groups for vocations have been established in almost all the parishes across the island. These groups are spaces where the faithful gather regularly to pray for vocations, deepen their understanding of God’s call in their lives, and be nourished by the Word of God. They also aim to support others in discerning their personal calling and to foster a true culture of vocation within the Church.
Another important moment during this Year dedicated to vocations is the celebration of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations with the presence of consecrated men and women, priests, and married couples who live out their vocation in service and love. This special occasion invites us to rejoice in the gift of vocation, to give thanks for all those who serve God and His people, and to pray for new vocations to arise, both in the Catholic Church of Cyprus and in the universal Church.
The celebrations of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations will take place:
- At Saint Nicolas Parish on the weekend of 25–26 April 2026
- At Our Lady of Graces Church on 2–3 May 2026
All the faithful are warmly invited to participate in these celebrations, with special attention given to young people and children.
Together, let us take part in the mission of the Holy Spirit, raising awareness of God’s call and responding with generosity.
Commission for the Pastoral Care of Vocations, Latin Patriarchal Vicariate of Cyprus
