Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

On Sunday, May 28, during the Solemnity of Pentecost, we in the Archdiocese of Detroit concluded our Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations with the ordination of five men to the priesthood. It was a great joy to witness and celebrate these men committing their lives to labor in the vineyard, bringing souls to Christ. 

While this happy occasion helped mark the end of our year dedicated to praying for an increase in Priestly Vocations, our work in this area must continue. We have planted many seeds, but like any good gardener, we must continue tilling and watering the soil, giving those seeds the proper environment in which to grow and flourish. We must continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, to invite and encourage men to listen and respond to God’s calling, and to build a culture that cultivates priestly vocations in our parishes, schools, families, and wider communities.  

In this time of Eucharistic revival in our nation, I invite you to set aside time to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, asking that the Lord continues to hear and respond to our prayer for priests. This is an appropriate way to offer this particular prayer because, without priests, we would be without the Eucharist. Let us never forget what a truly precious gift we have been given in the Blessed Sacrament. It is an unparalleled grace to have priests who, through their ordination, can serve as instruments through which Our Lord comes to be with us fully in Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Use your time in adoration to thank God for this great gift and to share with him your heartfelt desire to support and cultivate vocations in your family, in your parish community, and our Archdiocese.  

Be assured of the truth that God hears our prayers! While it may take time to see the fruit, we know that even now, God is calling laborers for the harvest and opening their ears and hearts to hear Him. Like our beloved Blessed Solanus Casey, let us thank God ahead of time for calling a new generation of holy men to serve our missionary Church.  

Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit