I am praying especially for the seminary in Krakow. From that place I am coming from and, at least in this way, I want to repay the debt of gratitude. When I was Bishop of Krakow, I tried to take special care of vocations. When the end of June came, I always asked how many candidates applied for the upcoming year. Then, when they were in the seminary, I met with each one individually, talked, inquired about the family, and together we evaluated the truthfulness of the vocation. I also invited seminarians to the morning Mass in my chapel and then for breakfast. It was a very good opportunity to meet them. I also spent Christmas Eve in the seminary or invited seminarians to my place on Franciszkańska Street. They did not go to their families for Christmas and somehow I wanted to compensate them for this lack. All this could have happened when I was in Krakow. In Rome it is more difficult because there are numerous seminaries. However, I visited all of them personally and when the opportunity arose, I also invited Rectors to the Vatican.
The Bishop cannot neglect to present to young people the great ideal of the priesthood. A young heart is able to understand such a “crazy love” that requires total devotion.
John Paul II: “Get up, let’s go!”
St. Stanislaus BM Publishing House, Krakow 2004
