A. If children themselves incur imminent danger of losing their souls by neglecting a divine vocation, parents that prevent a vocation to the religious state incur the danger of damning both themselves and their children. Such parents will have to answer also for the eternal loss of all those souls that their children would have saved in the religious state. Q. What is the exact teaching of theology with regard to parents preventing their children from entering the religious state? A. St. Liguori gives the following, not only as his doctrine, but as the teaching of theologians in general: "Parents who, without a just and certain cause, prevent their children from entering the religious state cannot be excused from _mortal sin;_ and not only parents, but any one who prevents another from following a religious vocation, _sins mortally._" Q. What does the Council of Trent teach on this point? A. The Fathers of the Council of Trent place under anathema (as accursed) "those who shall in any way, without a just cause, hinder the holy wish of virgins or other women to take the veil or make their vows." (18th chapter, 25th session.) Q. Does God, even in this life, punish parents for having prevented the higher vocations of their children? A. Yes; in punishment for thus thwarting His designs God often punishes parents by some misfortune, such as the premature death or the reckless life of their children. Q. Is not long deliberation as well as the advice of many friends necessary in order to avoid mistakes? A. St. Thomas says: "Long deliberation and advice are required in doubtful matters, but in those things which are certain and evident no counsel is required." St. Thomas concludes his article on the religious state with these beautiful words: "It is a sweet yoke, and those who bear it on their shoulders have the promise of being one day consoled by the delightful enjoyment of God and the eternal repose of the soul." CHAPTER XIV. VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD. Q. Is it necessary to have a special vocation in order to enter the priesthood? A. Yes; for St. Paul says: "Neither doth any man take the honor to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was." Our Lord said to His disciples: "You have not chosen Me; but I have chosen you, and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit, and your fruit should remain." [*] [*] For fuller information see larger catechism, "Questions on Vocations." Q. Which are the marks of a vocation to the priesthood? A. The principal marks are: 1, a virtuous life; 2, a pure intention; 3, a desire of becoming a priest. Q. Are not great talents necessary in order to enter the priesthood? A. No; a person of ordinary talents may become a very useful and successful priest. Q. Why is a virtuous life necessary in one who aspires to the priesthood?