The celebration of the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations in the Latin Church of Cyprus took place in two meaningful and grace-filled moments, rich in pastoral and vocational significance. The first was held on April 25th and 26th at Saint Nicholas Parish. The second moment took place on May 2nd and 3rd at Our Lady of Graces Parish.
On April 25th and 26th, we celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations at Saint Nicholas Parish with the presence of religious men and women, married couples, and priests from Jordan, Jerusalem, Syria, Malta, and Cyprus.
It was challenging to reach out to all four parish communities: Lefkosa, Lefke, Kyrenia, and Famagusta, but it is important that we show our presence among this remote portion of the people of God in a predominantly non-Christian context.
On May 2nd and 3rd, the same celebration took place at Our Lady of Graces Parish in Larnaca. Parishioners from Paphos, Limassol, and Nicosia participated. On Saturday, May 2, we began with a vigil Mass for vocations, followed by a moment of worship and Eucharistic adoration, including vocational testimonies given by consecrated persons, priests, and a married couple.
On Sunday, a Vocation Village was set up with representatives from different religious and secular orders, as well as catechists and members of prayer groups for vocations. In the afternoon, there was a workshop on vocations and discernment, testimonies, songs, and a role-play performed by children in catechism and youth.
During these weekends of the celebration in Cyprus, we prayed, listened, and remembered that every vocation begins with a quiet “yes” to God’s call.
We thank the Lord for bringing us together, as one diocesan family, to celebrate the beauty of all vocations.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to His Excellency Monsignor Bruno Varriano for his support and encouragement.
We would also like to thank Father Andrew Arhin, the parish priest, who welcomed us to Saint Nicholas Parish and accompanied us throughout the first weekend, along with Fathers Robert Kombi and Agricola Chioma.
Special thanks to Fathers Gabriel Vormawah and Andrew Verdote, who have supported us since the beginning of the preparations for the celebration at Our Lady of Graces in Larnaca.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to L’Œuvre d’Orient. Through its formation program for laypeople, L’Œuvre d’Orient has empowered its participants to generously and creatively serve in every environment. Strengthened by this program, they have become true leaders and evangelizers at a time when prayers for vocations are greatly needed.
May the seeds planted in these days of celebration of all vocations take root in courage, grow in trust, and bear fruit in love. And may we continue to walk together, attentive to the gentle voice that continues calls.
With gratitude and hope, we entrust all vocations to the Lord.
Commission for the Pastoral Care of Vocations
Latin Patriarchal Vicariate of Cyprus
