CAPG's Blog 

To what shall we attribute the absence of vocations to the priesthood, of which we are compelled to make complaint? It the cause in the absence of vigorous Catholic faith - a faith grasping in its narrow range of vision the fullness of the responsibilities that a plenary loyalty to the Savior imposes upon His followers - a faith prompt to the call of those responsibilities, ready in generosity of soul and willingness of sacrifice to obey their every behest?
At first sight, this, I confess, would seem to be the cause. Where Catholic faith reigns supreme, youths not the few there should be to rise in aspiration and self-consecration to the mountain-tops where the rays of the supernatural shine the brightest and unfold in clearest light the splendors of divine life. Youths not the few there should be to instantly answer the call from on high: "Speak, O Lord, for Thy servant heareth Thee. " The call from on high is surely spoken, since it is His will that the Church be supplied with priests, and His call it to the whole Church. To every land, in every diocese, to every parish the word is said, once said to Simon and Andrew - "Come follow me." Now, where this call is the voice crying in the wilderness, should we not be tempted to believe that there something is awry, that their Catholic faith is somewhat weak and timid? In an army of soldiers the general level is low, where all clamor to be led, where none are willing to lead, where none spring to battle, so soon as the commander speaks, and rush to the heights of valor and sacrifice.
Given the community of Catholics, which seldom or never makes offering of a candidate to the priesthood - given the diocese, unable to supply itself out of its own bosom with a full legion of priest - what the verdict it at once suggests!

Is it not this - that faith there is weak, unable to do more than hold its life, without ever bursting forth into luxuriant leaf or blossom? Is it not this - that the soil, into which the divine word is cast, is wanting in native nutriment, or is without that art of cultivation which not only begets the common crop of plant and shrub, but, now and then, here and there, bids upward the tall tree, the fragrant rose-bush, where with to adorn the landscape and cause the passerby to pause and be gladdened?

The cause is this - people  and priests have not been asked to advert to the problem confronting us, have not been made to understand its bearings and the obligations it imposes. A trumpet sound is in order to re-echo far and wide, proclaiming needs and duties, summoning priests and people to the charge to the work, which once seen will surely be done.

 Source: The Maine Catholic  Historical Magazine