Friday, May 30, 2008

World Day of Prayer for Sanctification of Priests

Today is the tenth anniversary of my Ordination to the Priesthood, and because today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, today is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.

Each year, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Clergy puts out a letter to mark the day, with beautiful prayers at the end.  I found this on my own, but I'm wondering: Any of the Priests reading this, have you ever been told about this from your diocese?  You can see the letter by Cardinal Hummes and all the prayers by clicking here, but here's just two of the prayers included:

For the Priest himself:

Most beloved Jesus, with a singular benevolence you have called me from among thousands of men to follow you in the excellence of Priestly dignity.  I beg you for the divine strength to rightly fulfill my ministry.  I implore you, Lord Jesus, to daily renew the grace given to me through the imposition of the hands of a Bishop.  O most powerful doctor of souls, heal me so that I may not fall back into evil, that I may flee from every sin, and that I may do what is pleasing in your eyes until the hour of my death.  Amen.

A prayer for priests:

Lord Jesus, present in the Most Blessed sacrament,
and living perpetually among us through Your Priests,
grant that the words of Your Priests may be only Your words,
that their gestures be only Your gestures,
and that their lives be a true reflection of Your life.

Grant that they may be men who speak to God on behalf of His people,
and speak of His people to God.
Grant that they be courageous in service,
serving the Church as she asks to be served.

Grant that they may be men who witness to eternity in our time,
traveling on the paths of history in Your steps,
and doing good for all.

Grant that they may be faithful to their commitments,
zealous in their vocation and mission,
clear mirrors of their own identity,
and living the joy of the gift they have received.

We pray that Your Holy Mother, Mary,
present throughout Your life,
may be ever present in the life of Your Priests.  Amen.


3 comments:

Victoria said...

Today is also the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cathy said...

Congratulations on your anniversary, Father!
May you serve the Church for many years to come.

Victoria said...

I emailed my parish priest a link to this letter; I hope he read it.