‘Lenty, Penty, Crucy, Lucy” is the mnemonic doggerel by which we remember the Ember. The Ember Day observances of the traditional liturgical calendar of the Roman Church fall in Lent, and near Pentecost, the feasts of the Exaltation of the Cross and of St Lucy. These are special days of penance.
The Pentecost Ember Days blend penitential fasting with joy, for they fall during the Octave of Pentecost. This Octave, retained in the traditional calendar, was foolishly eliminated in the Ordinary Form.
Why would we do penance during such a happy time? We fasted especially for the sake of the new priests who were traditionally ordained in this fitting season.
Speaking of new priests, we must pray diligently that many men will respond to God’s call with courage and generosity. Vocations to the priesthood are the responsibility of every member of the Church, not just of bishops and vocations directors. All of us must ask God to bring forth candidates even out of our own homes. What a blessing to a family it is to foster priestly vocations.
May I be so bold as to make a suggestion to the bishops and parish priests of your blessed plot, your scepter’d isle? During all Sunday and Holy Day Masses at my home parish, the congregation knelt after the Gospel and recited a prayer for vocations composed in 1963 by Archbishop William Brady. In the 33 years of one pastorate we had 30 First Masses.
Where I am now, we have initiated this same practice, using the same prayer printed on cards and placed in all the pews. Perhaps this practice might be established at your parishes:
LEADER: Please kneel for our prayer for vocations.
ALL: O God, / we earnestly beseech Thee / to bless this (arch)diocese / with many priests, / brothers / and sisters, / who will love Thee with their whole strength, / and gladly spend their entire lives / to serve Thy Church / and to make Thee known and loved.
LEADER: Bless our families. Bless our children.
ALL: Choose from our homes / those who are needed for Thy work.
LEADER: Mary, Queen of the Clergy!
ALL: Pray for us. Pray for our priests and religious. Obtain for us many more.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.