The theme of this issue of the Register is vocations. As our page-one story on the ordination of Michigan twins to the priesthood and our Culture of Life story on vocational discernment so clearly illustrate, vocations are the lifeblood of the Church.

With EWTN’s connection to the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, I am personally reminded every day of the gift to the Church that is consecrated religious life. In October, the universal Church will celebrate that gift, with the inauguration of the Year of Consecrated Life, which will run through November 2015.

The Register will celebrate that year by publishing at least one story per print issue on the consecrated life, one very significant way in which the Church renews herself.
Please join me in praying that, with God’s inspiration, families will encourage their children to seriously consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. And I would also encourage you, upon seeing priests, deacons or religious sisters, to thank them for their vocations.

God bless you!