Children’s Day promotes vocation in the Church

TEWATTA, Sri Lanka (UCAN) – A senior Church leader has appealed to children to commit their lives to the deeper calling of the Lord at a special event to promote Church vocations.

“When God calls you, do not be afraid to give yourself completely to Him … We often hear this call within ourselves,” said Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo.

He was addressing some 4,000 children at the 62nd annual archdiocesan Catholic Children’s Day at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka in Tewatta, near Colombo, on March 6.

“Look at how Samuel was called. When Samuel heard the voice of the Lord, he asked Eli whether he called him. Eventually Samuel realized it was the Lord who had called him. God chooses whom he desires. God called Samuel and made him a great prophet to the nations,” he added.

Many priests, nuns and Catholic teachers also took part in the event, organized by the archdiocese’s Catechetical Center. The event was designed not only to give children a good day out, but also to give them a better understanding of vocations in the Church.

Stalls were set up by various congregations in order to allow children to meet priests and nuns who explained to them what they and their congregations do.