This August 4th, the Church celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the patron of priests. Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 19, 2009 through June 2010 as the Year for the Priests. The theme for the priestly year is “Faithfulness To Christ, Faithfulness Of Priests”. Its purpose is to encourage what the Pope calls “the yearning for spiritual perfection” in Priests. Year of the Priests also gives lay people a special opportunity to learn more about priesthood, to recognize and honor priests and to encourage priestly vocations.

 

“The priest is not a priest for himself; he does not give himself absolution; he does not administer the Sacraments to himself. He is for you…… The Priesthood is the love of the “HEART OF JESUS”, St. John Vianney.

 

Gracious and loving God,

we thank you and praise you for the gift of our priests.

Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. 
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.

Set their hearts on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding and strength they need 
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Inspire them with the vision of your kingdom.

Give them the courage they need to spread your message of love. 
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ

 who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen