Jasmin Yiu
On “Good Shepherd Sunday,” the fourth Sunday of Easter, and the 58th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Catholic Diocese of Macau and the Serra Club dedicated a Mass, celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Stephen Lee, to pray for more vocations in the Church. The Eucharist was held at St Joseph Seminary Church, which had nurtured numerous vocations in Macau.
In his homily, Bishop Lee said God called us with His love, and vocation is never a “burden,” but “His loving plan.” He said, “There is a huge relationship between love, vocation and the Good Shepherd. Jesus said he is the Good Shepherd, and it is based on this tremendous love. God’s call is a calling and plan of love, which allows us to meet God and participate in the work of Salvation. To answer this call, especially in this materialistic world, we need to have a brave heart (fortitude).”
The Bishop quoted this year’s message of Pope Francis “Saint Joseph: The Dream of Vocation,” highlighting the characteristics of St Joseph, to remind us to answer God’s call with three key words: “dream,” “service,” and “fidelity”.
Dream: this dream needs responsibility to go along with. And a vocation is a sacrifice throughout one’s whole life. Without sacrifice, we will not be able to realize our dream and the meaning of our life. Just as Our Lord Jesus Christ, he was born with his sacrifice, and his dream is the redemption of men.
Service: serving others with the spirit and heart of a Good Shepherd, remembering each sheep’s name.
Fidelity: being faithful is not only a moment, but forever. Not only religious vocation, but also in marriage. Many people are afraid of being faithful to his/her spouse, but we need to find meaning in the relationship (with God or with a spouse).
“We need to learn from St Joseph, to live one’s vocation with responsibility, to serve others with a generous heart and to strive to live out this mission,” said the Bishop.
He also praised the religious who were present and celebrating their anniversaries. Their fidelity towards their vocation are good examples, which can enlighten our heart. “Vocation is not an easy path, but most important is that there is joy. Dear brothers and sisters, we can always ask ourselves, just as Our Lord asked St Peter ‘Do you love me?’ to answer God’s call every single day,” the Bishop added.
After Mass, Bishop Stephen Lee awarded a certificate to 12 religious as a gratitude of their service and fidelity to the Church.
Celebrating her 70th Anniversary of Entrance, 99-year-old Sister Margaret Lau Po Sheung, FMM, thanked God for letting her know how to serve, and look be alert for little things, and to pray for all people in her whole life.
This year is also the 25th Anniversary of Ordination for Fr Angel Hernandez, SVD. He recalled the most difficult thing is to learn Cantonese, but he is grateful that parishioners always understand and support him. He encourages young people not to be afraid to follow the footsteps of Christ, of being a priest.
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