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In honor of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Holy Curé d'Ars, Jean-Marie Vianney, a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ's flock, Pope Benedict XVI made the announcement on March 16, 2009 that a Year for Priests would be celebrated starting on June 19, 2009, feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, and ending on June 19, 2010. With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. Jean-Marie Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Curé d’Ars.
Year of the Priest begins with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010.
Please pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their sacred calling.
Dear Lord,
we pray that the Blessed Mother
wrap her mantle around your priests
and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry.
We pray that Mary will guide your priests
to follow her own words,
"Do whatever He tells you." (Jn 2:5)
May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph,
Mary's most chaste spouse.
May the Blessed Mother's own pierced heart
inspire them to embrace
all who suffer at the foot of the cross.
May your priests be holy,
filled with the fire of your love
seeking nothing but your greater glory
and the salvation of souls.
Amen
Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, pray for us.
For a printable copy of this prayer made available by the USCCB
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Hamilton, Virginia 20158-9012