Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and with Christ's power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid. Christ knows "what is in man". He alone knows it.

So often today man does not know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life.

[Pope John Paul II, homily at the beginning of his pontificate 22 October 1978].

Prayer for vocations

Jesus, Son of God, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity,

Thou callest all the baptised "to put out into the deep", treading the path of holiness.

Stir in the hearts of young people the desire to be in today's world

witnesses of the power of your love.

Fill them with your Spirit of fortitude and prudence to lead them into the depths of the human mystery so that they may be able to discover the full truth of themselves and their vocation.

Our Saviour, sent by the Father to reveal his merciful love, give your Church the gift of young people who are ready

to be among their brothers and sisters the manifestation of your presence that renews and saves.

[John Paul II]