Enlightened and encouraged by your Word, we pray to you, Lord, for all those who have already followed and now live your call. For your bishops, priests and deacons; and also for your consecrated religious, brothers and sisters; and also for your missionaries and for the generous lay people who work in ministries instituted or recognized by the Holy Church. Support them in difficulties, comfort them in sufferings, assist them in loneliness, protect them in persecution, and trust them in fidelity! We pray to you, Lord, for those who are opening their souls to your call or are already preparing to follow it. May your Word enlighten them, may your example win them over, may your grace guide them to the attainment of holy orders, of religious vows, of the missionary mandate. May your Word, Lord, be for all of them a guide and support so that they may know how to direct, counsel and support their brothers and sisters with that strength of conviction and love which you possess and which you alone can communicate.
St. Paul VI, February 1, 1978