| World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests - 30th May 2008 |
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 This year the Congregation for the Clergy of the Roman Curia has designated 30th May to be World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. It is fitting that this day in remembrance of all priests should fall on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The faithful should offer prayers of support for all men who have given themselves in service to Christ through the Sacred Priesthood. In this ‘Year of Vocation’ we should also pray for men who are discerning a call to serve the Church in this way.The Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, has produced a Message and Prayers for Priests for this occasion. He stresses that prayer is at the heart of effective action. 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 to His people of God. Grant that they may be courageous in service, serving the Church as she asks to be served. 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. |