Year for Priests and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Benedict XVI officially closed the Year for Priests today on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Gathered in Rome are more than 9,000 priests from around the world and we have two from this Archdiocese who are there representing all of us. For a long time, since my seminarian days, I have had a particular devotion to the Cure of Ars.When I was ordained, I was given a relic of the holy Cure and have kept it with me since that time. About four years ago, with a group of pilgrims, I had the great privilege of visiting the simple village of Ars, France. But for a few shops,and the grand Basilica which surrounds his parish Church, it is likely not much changed since the days the holy Cure walked its streets and proufoundly called all to conversion of heart and life. My prayer before his heart was especially moving.

Join with me, as we give thanks with all priests to God not only for this spiritual year but also to give thanks for the priesthood. It has not been an easy year for the priesthood with all the scandal issues and the attempts to tag the Pope. But, Jesus established this ministry in order to continue his life and work in the world. We are not perfect men. Ordination is not a guarantee of sanctity. I, as one among them, have been struck by my unworthiness more than once. I share this prayer with you which is offered by the Congregation of the Clergy:


Lord Jesus, present in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
and living perpetually among us through Your Priests,
grant that the words of Your Priest 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 they 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