"New vocations for a new Europe"

10. The theme of the Congress ("New vocations for a new Europe") goes directly to the heart of the problem: today in a Europe which is new with respect to the past, vocations which are also "new" are needed. It is necessary to justify the affirmation in order to understand the meaning of this newness, and to grasp the relationship with "traditional" methods of promoting vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. We will not content ourselves, therefore, with taking a snapshot of the situation and listing data, but we shall seek to grasp in what direction the newness might lead and the need for vocations which will flow from that.

At the same time we shall read the present situation, beginning from the expression of Jesus about the mission which awaited him: "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few" (Mt 9, 37). These words are still true and constitute a precious key to the present day. In some way we shall find again in them the just measure of our actions and the just proportion (or disproportion) between a harvest which will always be greater and our few strengths. Protected from every pessimistic interpretation of today, as well as from every pretence at self-sufficiency for tomorrow.