Catholic Church calls for prayer to support priestly vocations

Catholic religious leaders in Portugal are calling for increased community engagement and prayer to support priestly vocations during the Seminary Week, held from November 1 to 8.

Bishop Vitorino Soares, president of the Episcopal Commission for Vocations and Ministries, emphasized that prayer is an essential dimension of Christian life and a primary sign of commitment to seminaries. He noted that communities must build authentic relationships to accompany seminarists throughout their vocational journeys.

In the Diocese of Viana do Castelo, Bishop João Lavrador has issued a similar appeal, highlighting the need for spiritual and financial support to ensure the sustainability of diocesan services. He described the seminary not merely as a physical structure but as a formative community requiring the commitment of families, parishes, and youth groups. Current enrollment includes seven seminarists in the Major Seminary in Braga, four in the Middle Seminary in Viana do Castelo, and six candidates in the pre-seminary.