Pastoralna troska posoborowego Kościoła o budzenie i rozwój powołań kapłańskich

Abstract

In modern times, especially in some countries, the evangelical statement keeps recurring „the harvest is so great and the workers are so few” (Matt. 9, 37). The present article takes up this problem from the pastoral point of view. First, it presents the after-Council understanding of vacation. It stresses that the essential element is the anticipaiting God’s love, and the important factors are: the gift of grace, the recognition of it, and vountarily accepting it as a task to be fulfilled, as well as the official approval of it. After the Council the understanding of vocation is less juristic and more theological. Next, various forms of the Church’s pastoral efforts aimed at waking the vocations among young people are presented. Attention is paid to the irreplaceable role of the family, the value of pastoral work with small groups, the use of scientific achievements, and especiall of the achievements of psychology and sociology, and the necessity of the priests’ apostolic devotion to waking the vocations. The ways of accompanying the vocation are discussed, with paying special attention to the theological, psychological and sociological aspects. It is pointed out that the main source of the development of vocations is God’s grace, although it does not exclude the constant search for new ways to care for their development. Finally, the current possibilities of the priestly vocations’ ministry are presented, with paying special attention to the factors intensifying the Christian formation. It is also stressed that new forms of concern for the workers in the Lord's vineyard must still be looked for.