Prayer for a Blessing on the New Year

O sacred and adorable Trinity,

hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy,

and for all that are in authority over us.

Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church;

convert heretics and unbelievers;

soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship;

give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world;

pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances,

and upon our enemies, if we have any;

assist the poor and the sick;

have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us;

and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year

will be summoned before Thy judgment seat.

May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance,

so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee,

may likewise be ended through Thee. Amen.

~ Prayer found here. ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Catholic Priest Pleads for Chaste, Humble Priests and Religious

Fr. Jeffrey preaches on the need to plead with God for holy priests and religious of today and tomorrow:

"The people of God around the world in the Church have a desperate need today for a new generation of priests, of brothers, of nuns to lead the people of God in holiness, in wisdom, in virtue. All of us have to plead with God the Father that such a generation will rise up. Our very souls depend on it and the soul of humanity.

"...their minds and their hearts have to be the heart and mind of Christ.

"...your family, your friends, your relatives need to be inspired by inspiring priests, nuns, brothers, monks.

You have to think, ultimately what is the greatest need of those I love--and that's the need for Christ.

"...perhaps you could pray that a member of your own family--a son, a daughter, a grandson, a great grandson or granddaughter will hear the Word of God, take it to heart and follow the path of poverty, chastity and obedience in the consecrated service of God's people. What a blessing that would be for you and for all the people of God!"

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Fr. Vincent Capodanno, American Military Chaplain and Hero

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From the official site for cause of canonization of Servant of God Rev. Vincent R. Capodanno: Information on ordering The Grunt Padre:

"The compelling and beautiful story of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a Roman Catholic Priest who overcame the world to become a Christ in the true meaning of Radiating Christ. First a Maryknoll missionary serving in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Father Capodanno became a Navy Chaplain and served with the 7th and 5th Marines in Vietnam. In the midst of a battle in 1967, Father Capodanno was wounded several times and was killed while trying to save the life of a fellow servicemen. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously."

~ Previous blog post on Fr. Capodanno ~

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest,Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Catholic Priests Reflect on the Priesthood

This video on the priesthood gives Catholics a look at the priesthood from the perspective of some of the men who live the call in this Year For Priests declared by Pope Benedict XVI. Please say a prayer for the dedicated priests in your parish and around the world.

AN APPEAL FOR ONE HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR PRIESTS

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Fr. James Farfaglia: Reflections on the Catholic Priesthood

While I was pouring myself a hot cup of coffee in the rectory kitchen a number of years ago, a priest friend who lived in the same rectory came through the kitchen, his face beaming with his characteristic joviality. “Come here,” he said,” I need to show you something.” Father had just celebrated his birthday and he had bought himself a little present. As he carefully opened the box he looked at me with the anticipation of a small boy with a new toy and cheerfully said, “Look at this!” What he was showing me was a beautifully stitched corporal and matching altar cloth that he had ordered from a liturgical supply company for his celebration of the Mass. “This new corporal and new altar cloth will remind me to say Mass better and better,” he exclaimed. I was profoundly moved by his words.

Similarly, Pope Paul VI prayed a beautiful prayer each time before he celebrated Mass, “Lord, grant me the grace to celebrate this Mass as if it were my first Mass, my only Mass, and my last Mass.” When I was newly ordained, I mentioned this story to another priest friend who said, “Yes, I know about the Pope’s prayer, but I have changed the wording. Rather than saying as if it were my first Mass, I pray that my Mass will be better than my first Mass.”

How wonderful it is for me to be in the company of Catholic priests who passionately love Jesus, the Church and their vocation to the priesthood!

A few years ago I came across an acquaintance that I had not seen in a long time. We exchanged warm greetings and she asked me how everything was going at my parish. I told her that our new parish was growing. Are you still the only priest over there?” she asked. When I told her that I was, she wondered if I was ever bored with saying many Masses on the weekend. I assured her that everything was wonderful, but I thought to myself, “bored”? I love what I do! I did not want to embarrass my friend, but I wanted to tell her that my biggest problem on Sunday is that each Mass has to come to an end. How could I be bored when I have been called to the Catholic priesthood? Each time I celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, it is as though a new Bethlehem and a new Calvary have become present for me. How could I be bored when I hold Jesus in my sinful and trembling hands?

Married men with children are called “Father” by a select group, their families. As a priest, people call me "Father." I too have been called "Father" by the thousands and thousands of people that I have provided for, nourished, and educated as a priest. It is my vocation to celibate fatherhood that allows me to stretch my heart and give of myself unconditionally with joy and love each day with renewed commitment and dedication.

Our nation needs good fathers, be they heads of families, parishes, or dioceses; furthermore, that they be true and loving men who will live out their vocation. And what is their vocation? It is simply this: love. “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15: 13).

~ Excerpts from Fr Farfaglia's blog post: Today, December 24, I have been a priest for 22 years. ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is Born of the Virgin Mary, rejoice!

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Love Makes the King of Heaven Poor

ITALY'S MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS CAROL
TU SCENDI DALLE STELLE
Text and Music of Saint Alfonsus Maria de' Liguori

O King of Heaven! from starry throne descending,
Thou takest refuge in that wretched cave:
O God of bliss! I see Thee cold and trembling.
What pain it cost Thee fallen man to save!

Thou, of a thousand worlds the great Creator,
Dost now the pain of cold and want endure;
Thy poverty but makes Thee more endearing,
For well I know 'tis love has made Thee poor;

I see Thee leave Thy Heavenly Father's bosom,
But whither has Thy love transported Thee?
Upon a little straw I see Thee lying;
Why suffer thus? 'Tis all for love of me.

But if it is Thy will for me to suffer,
And by these sufferings my heart to move,
Wherefore, my Jesus, do I see Thee weeping?
'Tis not for pain Thou weepest, but for love.

Thou weepest thus to see me so ungrateful;
My sins have pierced Thee to the very core;
I once despised Thy love, but now I love Thee,
I love but Thee; then, Jesus, weep no more.

Thou sleepest, Lord, but Thy heart ever watches,
No slumber can a heart so loving take;
But tell me, darling Child, of what Thou thinkest.
"I think," he says, "of dying for Thy sake."

Is it for me that Thou dost think of dying!
What, then, O Jesus! can I but love Thee?
Mary, my hope! If I love him too little -
Be not indignant - love him thou for me.

I recently discovered the above beautiful Christmas Carol and translation from this site.

~ CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ALL! ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

The Child of Bethlehem and all Children Ask for Love

"The medieval theologian William of Saint Thierry once said that God – from the time of Adam – saw that his grandeur provoked resistance in man, that we felt limited in our own being and threatened in our freedom. Therefore God chose a new way. He became a child. He made himself dependent and weak, in need of our love. Now – this God who has become a child says to us – you can no longer fear me, you can only love me.

"With these thoughts, we draw near this night to the child of Bethlehem – to the God who for our sake chose to become a child. In every child we see something of the Child of Bethlehem. Every child asks for our love. This night, then, let us think especially of those children who are denied the love of their parents. Let us think of those street children who do not have the blessing of a family home, of those children who are brutally exploited as soldiers and made instruments of violence, instead of messengers of reconciliation and peace. Let us think of those children who are victims of the industry of pornography and every other appalling form of abuse, and thus are traumatized in the depths of their soul. The Child of Bethlehem summons us once again to do everything in our power to put an end to the suffering of these children; to do everything possible to make the light of Bethlehem touch the heart of every man and woman. Only through the conversion of hearts, only through a change in the depths of our hearts can the cause of all this evil be overcome, only thus can the power of the evil one be defeated. Only if people change will the world change; and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God, the light which so unexpectedly entered into our night."

~ Pope Benedict XVI, Midnight Mass December 25, 2008 ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

The Season of Christmas

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High priest, Mother of all priests, and our mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

American Priest Fr. Nelson Baker, Apostle of Charity

The life and ministry of Fr. Nelson Baker is cause for rejoicing. Here is another holy priest, born in Buffalo, New York, to inspire and encourage Americans and all Catholics.

Fr. Baker was ordained a diocesan priest in 1876. For five years he served as Assistant Pastor at Lackawanna, then as curate in Corning, New York (then part of the Buffalo Diocese). In 1882, he was recalled to Lackawanna as Superintendent of the Institution destined to become Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, with an orphanage, industrial school, home for infants, facilities for unwed mothers, and maternity hospital.

PRAYER FOR CANONIZATION OF SERVANT OF GOD NELSON H. BAKER

"Apostle of Charity"

Lord, you gave us Your Servant Nelson Baker

as an example of service to the poor, homeless, and young.

By "Father Baker's" ardent concern for those in need,

inflame our hearts and lives with compassion for the poor,

justice for the oppressed, hope for the troubled, and courage to those in doubt.

We pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Victory, if it be Your will,

that Your Servant, Nelson Baker, may one day be canonized. Amen.
Glory Be (3 times)

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Information and prayer is from here.

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

St. Josemaria Escriva: Pray for Priests

910 The Church needs priests, and always will. Ask the Blessed Trinity for them each day, through Holy Mary.

—And pray that they may be cheerful, hard—working, effective; that they may be well trained: and that they may sacrifice themselves joyfully for their brothers, without feeling that they are victims.

646 Since you call yourself a Christian, you have to live the Sacred Liturgy of the Church, putting genuine care into your prayer and mortification for priests — especially for new priests — on the days marked out for this intention, and when you know that they are to receive the Sacrament of Order.

964 Pray for the priests of today, and for those who are to come, that they may really love their fellow men, every day more and without distinction, and that they may know also how to make themselves loved by them.

~ St. Josemaria Escriva, excerpts from The Forge, found here.~

AN APPEAL FOR ONE HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR PRIESTS

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

The Power and Love of the Eucharist

"The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host."

~ Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Pope Benedict XVI: Importance of Eucharistic Adoration

Every time that the priest renews the Eucharistic Sacrifice, in the prayer of consecration he repeats: "This is my Body... this is my Blood".

He says this lending his voice, hands and heart to Christ, who wanted to stay with us and be the heartbeat of the Church. However, after the celebration of the divine Mysteries, the Lord Jesus remains alive in the tabernacle; for this reason special praise is given to him with Eucharistic adoration, as I wished to recall in the recent Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (cf. nn. 66-69).

Indeed, an intrinsic connection exists between celebration and adoration. In fact, Holy Mass is in itself the Church's greatest act of adoration: "No one eats of this flesh", as St Augustine writes, "without having first adored it" (Enarr. in Ps. 98,9: CCL XXXIX, 1385).

Adoration outside Holy Mass prolongs and intensifies what has taken place in the liturgical celebration and makes a true and profound reception of Christ possible.

In life today, often noisy and dispersive, it is more important than ever to recover the capacity for inner silence and recollection. Eucharistic adoration permits this not only centred on the "I" but more so in the company of that "You" full of love who is Jesus Christ, "the God who is near to us".

May the Virgin Mary, the Woman of the Eucharist, introduce us into the secret of true adoration. Her humble and simple heart was ever pondering the mystery of Jesus, in whom she adored the presence of God and of his redeeming love. May faith in the Eucharistic Mystery, joy in participating in Holy Mass, especially on Sundays, and enthusiasm in witnessing to Christ's immense love grow throughout the Church through her intercession.

~ Excerpts from Angelus Address of Pope Benedict XVI, June 10, 2007 ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Eucharistic Adoration Prayer by St. Alphonsus Liguori

"You ought to ask our Lord for just one thing, to love Him.

All the rest should be thanksgiving."

~ St. Padre Pio ~

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

St. Josemaria Escriva: Respect for Priests

(from the author's preface:) "Read these counsels slowly. Pause to meditate on these thoughts. They are things that I whisper in your ear-confiding them-as a friend, as a brother, as a father. And they are being heard by God. I won't tell you anything new. I will only stir your memory, so that some thought will arise and strike you; and so you will better your life and set out along ways of prayer and of Love. And in the end you will be a more worthy soul."

66 A Priest — whoever he may be — is always another Christ.

67 Though you well know it, I shall remind you again that a Priest is 'another Christ'. And that the holy Spirit has said: 'Nolite tangere Christos meos — do not touch my Christs'.

68 Presbyter — Priest — means, literally, an elderly man. If old age deserves veneration, think how much more you ought to venerate the Priesthood.

69 It shows very little refinement — and great lack of respect — to make fun of a Priest, whoever he is, and whatever the pretext!

70 I repeat: to make fun of a Priest — no matter what the circumstances — is always, at best, a sign of coarseness and poor taste.

74 To love God and not venerate his Priests... is not possible.

75 Like the good sons of Noah, throw the mantle of charity over the defects you see in your father, the Priest.

526 If you have not the highest reverence for the priesthood and for the religious state, it is not true that you love God's Church.

~ St. Josemaria Escriva, excerpts from The Way, found here. ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: 112 Years of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration

"He made me see an immense procession of religious women.

It would be the oasis of purity and suffering,

His consolation on this earth.
There He would be adored day and night, exposed in the Eucharist."

~ From Conchita, A Mother's Spiritual Diary ~

There is a small group of nuns that live on the outskirts of Rome, in a house near the Appian Way. At first glance, it might seem that they only carry out simple work but the reality is that they have a greater mission: to worship the Eucharist and to pray for the world 24 hours a day. They are the Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sister Veronica Angel Lopez, Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
"We take turns to adore the Eucharist throughout the day, each of us prays half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the afternoon, and at night we have one-hour turns. And that's how we cover all 24 hours."

Sister Maria Belen Camargo, Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
"When we are in front of the Eucharist, He transmits to us His divine life, His Trinitarian life and so, in a mysterious way, we contribute to the transformation of the world through Jesus, and especially in the transformation of priests."

Each community prays for a particular priest every year, but all of them pray for the Pope's heart because, as they say, that's where he carries all of the Church's problems.

The nuns say that thanks to their communion with Jesus - that is through a continuous and deep prayer - they've been able to develop an exceptional intuition to perceive the needs and problems of the world.

Sister Elzbieta Sadowska, Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
"Each one of us has a mission, you never know what mission Jesus will give you today, for what He wants you to pray, for which cause on its behalf He wants you to pray. For example: one year you might need to pray for a problem that at that time the world neglects or is simply not interested in. But then your one-year prayer prepares the hearts of the people so that at any given time, they re able to respond to the necessities of others."

Concepción Cabrera de Armida founded the religious Order in Mexico in 1862. She was a wife and the mother of nine children, and at the same time, she led a life of holiness and of devotion to the Eucharist. The Mother Superior of the community in Rome says the founder's life could be an example to today's young girls.

Mother Superior Doris Herrera, Sisters of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Her message to young girls is that they should not be afraid of a commitment that is forever, whether in marriage or in religious life. They should dare to make a commitment forever because that's what they are most afraid of today and it's the most beautiful thing that can exist.

The Order of the Cross of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has about 300 women that live in communities in the United States, Spain, Mexico and other countries. In May, they'll celebrate their 112th anniversary of continuous adoration of the Eucharist.

~ From Rome Reports, 5-6-09 ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

"The Miracle of Fr Kapaun" Documentary Available Now

"We can surely expect that in our own lives

there will come a time

when we must make a choice

between being loyal to the true faith

or of giving allegiance to something else."

~ Fr. Emil Kapaun ~

Thanks to the Wichita Eagle for videos, photos, testimonies, and more on Fr. Kapaun! The Documentary, "The Miracle of Father Kapaun", can be ordered through them. If you are interested in learning more about Fr. Kapaun, don't miss this site!

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Prayer for Priest-Shepherds

Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the Flock, we pray that in the great love and mercy of Your Sacred Heart You attend to all the needs of Your priest-shepherds throughout the world. We ask that You draw back to Your Heart all those priests who have seriously strayed from Your path, that You rekindle the desire for holiness in the hearts of those priests who have become lukewarm, and that You continue to give Your fervent priests the desire for the highest holiness. United with Your Heart and Mary’s Heart, we ask that You take this petition to Your heavenly Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

We Are One Body in Christ!

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

The Life of a Priest of Jesus Christ

To live in the midst of the world without wishing its pleasures;
To be a member of each family, yet belonging to none;
To share all sufferings; to penetrate all secrets; to heal all wounds;
To go from men to God and offer Him their prayers;
To return from God to men to bring pardon and hope;
To have a heart of fire for charity and a heart of bronze for chastity;
To teach and to pardon; console and bless always.
My God, what a life! And it is yours, O Priest of Jesus Christ!

~ Father Henri Lacordaire, OP, 1802-61 ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Marino Restrepo: Spiritual Warfare Weapons of Eucharist and Confession

On this penitential Friday of Advent, I present to you the POWERFUL testimony of Marino Restrepo. He speaks about the importance of the Eucharist and Confession as the most powerful weapons of spiritual warfare. He speaks of the power of humility against the devil and how God expects Catholics to use their talents to help those who have not been gifted with the same amount of talents.

About Marino Restrepo:
"He enjoys a very strong support from the authorities of the Catholic Church at home and abroad. He will not do any thing without the consent of the Church first."

Marino says,
"About Me: Marino Restrepo is a Catholic lay missionary from Colombia who travels the world sharing his testimony. Marino was born a Catholic but disregarded his faith at an early age and embraced all the self-seeking illusions of the world. He chose to experience a life of drugs, unhealthy relationships and New Age philosophies. His acting/musical career led him to Hollywood where he was a producer and musician. Marino thought he had it all until a visit home to Columbia in 1997 for Christmas. His sister encouraged him to pray a novena prayer to the baby Jesus. He accepted thinking it would give him an extra ounce of 'good luck'. Following the novena, Marino went on his way to visit his uncle. His visit was short-lived as Marino was kidnapped by guerrilla rebels of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and held captive in the jungle for six months. They told him they would kill him once they had received ransom for his kidnap. For 15 days he lay in a cave full of bats and infested with numerous insects and bugs. It was here, in his complete isolation and despair, that Marino had a mystical experience of God. His life changed forever.

"Five and a half months later, Marino was miraculously released from captivity after a miracle of God, and after his release he went back to his Catholic faith. Eighteen months later he became a full time missionary for the Catholic Church leaving all of his past, and his worldly possessions behind."

Marino's complete video testimony:

Marino's official website: here.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Why Priests Need a Fervent Prayer Life and Prayerful Intercessors

Thanks to Father Mark Kirby for sharing Cardinal Hummes' December letter to priests that emphasizes the critical importance of the prayer life of priests for a joyful, faith-filled, and fruitful ministry. Following are some of Father Kirby's valuable comments on the topics contained in the letter:

"Yes, a priest who neglects prayer will become weak in faith, joyless, and uncertain of the very things that should be life giving for him. At the origin of every crisis in the life of a priest is a lack of prayer, that is, of conscious surrender to the Friendship of Christ. Nowhere can a priest experience the Friendship of Christ more effectively than in the radiance of His Eucharistic Face. Priests who pray daily, for one hour, before the Blessed Sacrament attest to the purifying, healing, and transforming effect of such prayer on their lives."

"Priests who pray generate communities that pray. A prayerful priest will generate a praying parish. Where priest and people persevere together in prayer, with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is poured out in abundance, quickening the life of the Church, and causing the face of the Church to shine with joy even in the midst of great sufferings."

"Surrounding every priest who prays is a community that prays for him and with him. The criticism of priests often leads to sins of rash judgment, defamation, and slander. The temptation to speak ill of a priest can become, in effect, an invitation to pray for him, to fast for him, and to represent him before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, close to His Open Heart."

For Cardinal Hummes' December letter to priests and more of Father Kirby's comments, click here.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen's Reflections on Pain and Suffering

Today is the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Servant of God Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Please offer a prayer for his canonization.

Prayer for Canonization

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.

If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Mary, The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the USA

When Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, she identified herself by saying, "I am the Immaculate Conception." This title was not understood by Bernadette, a young peasant girl, but correctly understood by the priest who had told her to ask the Lady who she was.

Song to Our Lady of America

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady of America website

Catholic Tradition's Immaculate Conception Directory

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Eucharistic Adoration

"The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth."

~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta ~

There is a new link on the sidebar that will take you to the Chapel of Divine Love in Philadelphia, Pensylvania where the Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration and is available to online visitors live via webcam. What a blessed opportunity this is for those who are unable to visit Jesus at church or chapel, and also for those who are able to make regular visits, but are enabled to visit more often while in their homes because of this website. Please take note of the many devotional prayers conveniently available on the left side of the page next to the live image of the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

St. Nicholas, Advent, The Greatest Gift

"...Advent is a time for us... to think about the greatest gift of all--Jesus Himself. He's the gift given by God the Father to each of us. He's the gift that keeps on giving of Himself in the Holy Eucharist...Is there enough room for Him in your life this Christmas, or is He taking second place to all those other gifts that cannot last?"

~ Fr. James Kubicki, S.J. ~

Below is Nicholas, a charming music video by Wendy Francisco:

"...St. Nicholas...the name of the Child of Christmas is the name in which he gives."

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all Priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Pope John Paul II: Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Priests

(Reflection for 2/7/09)

PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY FOR PRIESTS

~ Pope John Paul II ~

O Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of Priests,
accept this title which we bestow on you to celebrate your motherhood
and to contemplate with you the priesthood of your Son and of your sons, O holy Mother of God.

O Mother of Christ, to the Messiah-Priest you gave a body of flesh
through the anointing of the Holy Spirit for the salvation of the poor and the contrite of heart;
guard priests in your heart and in the Church, O Mother of the Saviour.

O Mother of Faith, you accompanied to the Temple the Son of Man,
the fulfilment of the promises given to the fathers;
give to the Father for His glory the priests of Your Son, O Ark of the Covenant.

O Mother of the Church, in the midst of the disciples in the upper room
you prayed to the Spirit for the new people and their shepherds;
obtain for the Order of Presbyters a full measure of gifts, O Queen of the Apostles.

O Mother of Jesus Christ, you were with Him at the beginning of His life and mission,
you sought the Master among the crowd,
you stood beside Him when He was lifted up from the earth consumed as the one eternal sacrifice,
and you had John, your son, near at hand;
accept from the beginning those who have been called, protect their growth,
in their life ministry accompany your sons, O Mother of Priests. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

First Fridays: 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

"Love keeps Him there [in the Blessed Sacrament] as a victim completely and perpetually delivered over to sacrifice for the glory of the Father and for our salvation. Unite yourself with Him, then, in all that you do. Refer everything to His glory. Set up your abode in this loving Heart of Jesus and you will there find lasting peace and the strength both to bring to fruition all the good desires He inspires in you, and to avoid every deliberate fault. Place in this Heart all your sufferings and difficulties. Everything that comes from the Sacred Heart is sweet. He changes everything into love."

~ From the Letters of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque ~

TWELVE PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

"I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving the sacraments; my divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment."

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Blessed Fr. Francis Seelos: Redemptorist Priest, Missionary, Pastor

"His life and virtues have been approved by the Church as heroic, and he was declared Blessed in the Solemn Jubilee Year of 2000. Beatification is the final step before sainthood. You are kindly urged to pray for his canonization. Perhaps God wills Fr. Seelos' canonization in the foreseeable future, not only because he is so deserving, but because the North American Church is in dire need of a good priestly role model at this point in her history, and because we could use a faithful friend in Heaven who is a sturdy shelter."

~ Fr. Byron Miller, C.Ss.R. ~

O My God, I truly believe You are present with me. I adore Your limitless perfections. I thank You for the graces and gifts You gave to Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. If it is Your holy will, please let him be declared a saint of the Church so that others may know and imitate his holy life. Through his prayers please give me this favor ... (HERE MENTION YOUR SPECIAL INTENTIONS)

OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR FR. FRANCIS SEELOS, C.Ss.R.

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Fr. Seelos' Top Ten Practical Guide to Holiness

5. Also daily, if at all possible, visit the Blessed Sacrament; and toward evening, meditate on the Passion of Christ for a half hour.
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Family claims cancer cure through intercession of Fr. Seelos.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Pope John Paul II and Fr. William Casey: Superficial Preaching

"The greatest obstacle to evangelization in America is superficial preaching."

~ Pope John Paul II ~

God bless Fr. William Casey! A superficial preacher--He is NOT! In his dynamic video he says:

"...I know that there is right now a new generation of young, zealous, orthodox priests and bishops on the rise. They are now making their presence felt in the Church...a small army of new converts...are breathing new life into the Church...Everyone that I have met is on fire for the Catholic faith...The home schooling movement is now gaining momentum...Eucharistic adoration is making a strong comeback, gaining strength. More parishes than ever before have Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration...there is going to be a new evangelization...simply and precisely because God wants it. The Holy Spirit is going to make it happen!...Let's get away from all the negativity, all the defeatism and all the spiritual mediocrity. Let's start lighting the candles and stop cursing the darkness now, right now!

This video was posted by the Fathers of Mercy on July 13, 2009, along with this statement:

BIG PROBLEM IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH! Do the Catholic Church a favor and E-mail this video to every, Bishop, Priest, Deacon, and seminarian you know. For that matter, E-mail it to EVERYONE you know.

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If you are inclined to send a message to priests, Fr. S has written an encouraging one to share with his brother priests: To My Brother Priests.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Catholic Priests of the New Millennium

"I will give you shepherds." (Jer. 3:15): God is the one who chooses priests, but we are given the opportunity to cooperate with God's work through our prayer, sacrifice and actions. May the Lord help us to help those He is calling to ordained priesthood."

~ Francis Cardinal George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago ~

The following video is 30 minutes long, but well worth watching all or part of it if you want to experience joy and encouragement in witnessing God's providence in providing priests for the new millennium. Read testimonials of several priests about the video here , and if you want to watch it full screen, click here.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Fr. James Farfaglia: Penitential Season of Advent

"Advent is a penitential season because Christmas is about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not about external celebrations. The external celebrations should be seen as a visible manifestation of our joy of being disciples of Jesus Christ."

"Advent, as a penitential season, prepares us to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord's first coming as the incarnate God of love. As a penitential time, Advent helps us examine the condition of our soul."

"As disciples of the Lord we have so many ways to sleep. We can sleep by putting off the sacrament of Confession. We can sleep by not committing ourselves to a life of prayer. We can sleep by giving in to the temptations of secularism. We can sleep by "not being too hard on ourselves". We can sleep by being satisfied with being "good people" rather than striving for holiness. We can sleep by rationalizing our own sloth and laziness. We can sleep by dulling our conscience. Tepidity is a very dangerous obstacle to our eternal salvation. Advent is a time to wake up. "

"As we begin Advent, we must also remember that the celebration of Christmas does not begin until Christmas Eve and it does not end until the Epiphany. Christmas season does not begin on Thanksgiving Day and end on December 26th. It is the Church that directs that our celebration of Christmas, not the stores. We must not be caught up in the materialism around us.

"The manger should be set up in the home as of the first Sunday of Advent and according to our Catholic traditions, it should not be removed until February 2, which is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Christmas trees can be erected in the home according to the customs of each family. It is a good practice to keep the Christmas tree up until the Epiphany.

"Every nationality will have their own particular customs and traditions. However, we must keep in mind that Advent is Advent and that the Christmas Season does not liturgically begin until the Vigil Mass of Christmas on December 24 and it does not liturgically end until the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord."

For Father Farfaglia's excellent Advent homily in its entirety click here.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Eucharistic Adoration: Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI

"He is present now as He was then in Bethlehem.

He invites us to that inner pilgrimage which is called adoration."

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

AN APPEAL FOR ONE HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR PRIESTS

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: Conversions and Vocations to the Priesthood

The most remarkable miracle was the conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne, a wealthy Jewish banker and lawyer and also a blasphemer and hater of Catholicism, in 1841. A Catholic friend, M. de Bussieres, gave him a medal, daring him to wear it and say a Memorare. After considerable persuasion he agreed to do so. Not long after, Alphonse accompanied M. de Bussieres to the Church of Sant ' Andrea delle Frate to make funeral arrangements for a dear friend. There Alphonse saw a vision of Mary as on the Miraculous Medal. He was converted instantly and immediately begged for Baptism.

Alphonse Ratisbonne later went on to become a priest, taking the name of Father Alphonse Marie. Working for thirty years in the Holy Land, he established several institutions. Out of reverence and gratitude to Our Savior, he built the expiatory sanctuary of the Ecce Homo on the spot where Pilate displayed Jesus to the Jews. So great was the love he had for his people, that he dedicated the remainder of his life, as did his brother, Father Theodore, to work for the conversion of their immortal souls. Among the converts of these two priest brothers were a total of twenty eight members of their own family.

~ Excerpt from: Saint Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal ~

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For a more detailed account read Our Lady of the Miracle .

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Thanks to a reader for sharing this link that tells how a young seminarian, Maximilian Kolbe, was inspired by hearing the Miraculous Medal conversion story of Alphonse Ratisbonne and how, after ordination, he said his first Mass at the altar where Our Lady appeared to Alphonse!

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Advent: A Penitential Season

In 1927 Jesus complained to Blessed Dina Belanger about Catholics doing little or no penance during Advent:

"I have need of reparation. The justice of My Father is enkindled. Offer to My Father My merits and My Blood to appease the arm of His Justice. How many Catholics concern themselves little or not at all with penance during the season of Advent! How many Catholics neglect to prepare for My coming at Christmas! Give Me your day, today, in spirit of atonement. Offer it also in Thanksgiving to My Father for all the graces He bestows on souls; for there are so many who never think of thanking Him.

~ Jesus to Blessed Dina Belanger, from Autobiography of Dina Belanger ~

To Learn more about Advent read All About Advent.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession for Priests

Lord Jesus,

You have chosen Your priests from among us

and sent them out to proclaim Your word and act in Your Name.
For so great a gift to Your Church, we give You praise and thanksgiving,

we ask You to fill them with the fire of Your Love,

that their ministry may reveal Your presence in the Church.

Since they are earthen vessels,

we pray that Your power shine out through their weakness.

In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts, never despair;

in temptation, never be destroyed; in persecution, never abandoned.

Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of Your dying and rising.

In times of weakness, send Your SPIRIT,

and help them to praise Your Heavenly FATHER and pray for the poor sinners.
By the same HOLY SPIRIT put Your word on their lips and Your love in their hearts,

to bring good news to the poor and healing to the broken-hearted.
And may the gift of Mary, Your Mother,

to the disciple whom You loved, be your gift to every priest.

Grant that she who formed You in her human image,

may form them in Your Divine Image,

by the power of Your SPIRIT,

to the glory of GOD the FATHER. Amen.

~ Source: Chalice of Strength from Opus Sanctorum Angelorum ~

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Prayer to St. Joseph for Priests

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

O ILLUSTRIOUS PATRIARCH St. Joseph,

who carried the Infant Jesus in thy blessed arms and who,

during the space of thirty years,

lived in the most intimate familiarity with Him,

take under thy powerful protection
those whom He has clothed with His authority

and honored with with the dignity of His priesthood,

whom He has charged to continue His mission,
to preach His Gospel,

and to dispense everywhere His graces and blessings.

Sustain them in their fatigues and labors;

console them in their pains;

fortify them in their combats; but above all,
keep far from them all the evils of sin.
Obtain for them the humility of St. John the Baptist,

the faith of St. Peter, the zeal and charity of St. Paul, the purity of St. John
and the spirit of prayer and recollection of which thou, my dear Saint,

art the model, so that, after having been on earth,
the faithful dispensers of the Mysteries of thy foster Son,

Our Lord Jesus Christ,

they may in Heaven receive the recompense promised to pastors

according to the Heart of God.

Amen.

~ From Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph ~

Tan Books and Publishers

God the Father's Counsel to St. Catherine of Siena About Criticizing Priests

God the Father spoke to St. Catherine of Siena about his “ministers,” the priests. She recorded it in her Dialogue:

…[It] is my intention that they be held in due reverence, not for what they are in themselves, but for my sake, because of the authority I have given them. Therefore the virtuous must not lessen their reverence, even should these ministers fall short in virtue. And, as far as the virtues of my ministers are concerned, I have described them for you by setting them before you as stewards of... my Son’s body and blood and of the other sacraments. This dignity belongs to all who are appointed as such stewards, to the bad as well as to the good.

…[Because] of their virtue and because of their sacramental dignity you ought to love them. And you ought to hate the sins of those who live evil lives. But you may not for all that set ourselves up as their judges; this is not my will because they are my Christs, and you ought to love and reverence the authority I have given them.

You know well enough that if someone filthy or poorly dressed were to offer you a great treasure that would give you life, you would not disdain the bearer for love of the treasure, and the lord who had sent it, even though the bearer was ragged and filthy... You ought to despise and hate the ministers’ sins and try to dress them in the clothes of charity and holy prayer and wash away their filth with your tears.

Indeed, I have appointed them and given them to you to be angels on earth and suns, as I have told you. When they are less than that you ought to pray for them. But you are not to judge them. Leave the judging to me, and I, because of your prayers and my own desire, will be merciful to them. [1]

Is judging the same as criticizing? It’s close. The Random House American College Dictionary defines the word “criticize” as “1. To make judgments as to merits and faults. 2. To find fault.”

Clearly, the Lord wants prayers, not judgment for his priests. Alas, how sad that some are far more ready to judge (and criticize) priests than they are to pray for them! Imagine how much better off the Church would be if all the energy given to criticizing priests and bishops were devoted to prayer and penance for these men; and how much better off those who prayed and fasted would be!

1.Catherine of Siena; The Dialogue, translated by Suzanne Noffke, O.P., New York: Paulist Press, 1980, pp. 229-231

Excerpt from The Danger of Criticizing Bishops and Priests by Rev. Thomas G. Morrow

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Spiritual Formation of Priests

"The good pastor must be rooted in contemplation.

Only in this way will he be able to take upon himself the needs of others

and make them his own!"

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

"Through the teaching and mentoring provided in the program I have deepened in my prayer life, and it has made me a better pastor, confessor, spiritual director and vocation director. The classes have been the most significant spiritual event in my young priesthood."

~ Rev. James Mason ~
Vocation Director,
Diocese of Sioux Falls

Institute for Priestly Formation information here

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Christ the King Sovereign Priest

16. Christ as our Redeemer purchased the Church at the price of his own blood; as priest he offered himself, and continues to offer himself as a victim for our sins. Is it not evident, then, that his kingly dignity partakes in a manner of both these offices?

17. It would be a grave error, on the other hand, to say that Christ has no authority whatever in civil affairs, since, by virtue of the absolute empire over all creatures committed to him by the Father, all things are in his power. Nevertheless, during his life on earth he refrained from the exercise of such authority, and although he himself disdained to possess or to care for earthly goods, he did not, nor does he today, interfere with those who possess them. Non eripit mortalia qui regna dat caelestia.[27]

18. Thus the empire of our Redeemer embraces all men. To use the words of Our immortal predecessor, Pope Leo XIII: "His empire includes not only Catholic nations, not only baptized persons who, though of right belonging to the Church, have been led astray by error, or have been cut off from her by schism, but also all those who are outside the Christian faith; so that truly the whole of mankind is subject to the power of Jesus Christ."[28] Nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ. In him is the salvation of the individual, in him is the salvation of society. "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we must be saved."[29] He is the author of happiness and true prosperity for every man and for every nation. "For a nation is happy when its citizens are happy. What else is a nation but a number of men living in concord?"[30] If, therefore, the rulers of nations wish to preserve their authority, to promote and increase the prosperity of their countries, they will not neglect the public duty of reverence and obedience to the rule of Christ. What We said at the beginning of Our Pontificate concerning the decline of public authority, and the lack of respect for the same, is equally true at the present day. "With God and Jesus Christ," we said, "excluded from political life, with authority derived not from God but from man, the very basis of that authority has been taken away, because the chief reason of the distinction between ruler and subject has been eliminated. The result is that human society is tottering to its fall, because it has no longer a secure and solid foundation."[31]

19. When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony...

~ Quas Primas, Encyclical of Pope Pius XI, December 11, 1925 ~

Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Blessed Rev. Miguel Agustin Pro: Priest Hero and Martyr

"I am ready to give my life for souls, but I want nothing for myself. All that I want is to lead them to God. If I kept anything for myself, I should be a thief, infamous; I should no longer be a priest."

~ Blessed Rev. Miguel Agustin Pro ~

Excellent articles on Blessed Pro by Bishhop Thomas J. Olmsted:

Part one : Jesuit Priest and Martyr

Part two: Joyful priest and grateful martyr

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Holy Wounds of Jesus: Message, Promises, Prayers

PLEASE OFFER THE HOLY WOUNDS OF JESUS FOR PRIESTS!

"My Holy Wounds sanctify souls and insure their spiritual advancement... Offer Me your actions united to My Sacred Wounds, and even the smallest will have an incomprehensible value."

"Offer them often to Me for sinners because I thirst for souls. At each word of the invocation that you utter, I will let a drop of My Blood fall upon the soul of a sinner."

"When you offer My Holy Wounds for sinners, you must not forget to do so for the souls in Purgatory, as there are but few who think of their relief. The Holy Wounds are the treasure of treasures for the souls in Purgatory."

~ Jesus to Sr. Mary Martha Chambon ~

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If you want to have a better understanding of what Jesus suffered for us and why the Church is wise in requiring penance on Fridays, please watch the following video.

Promises of Our Lord for those who are Devoted to His Wounds - given to Sr. Mary Martha Chambon:

† At each word that you pronounce of the Chaplet of the Holy Wounds, I allow a drop of My Blood to fall upon the soul of a sinner.
† Each time that you offer to My Father the merits of My divine Wounds, you win an immense fortune.
† Souls that will have contemplated and honored My crown of thorns on earth, will be My crown of glory in Heaven!
† I will grant all that is asked of Me through the invocation of My Holy Wounds. You will obtain everything, because it is through the merit of My Blood, which is of infinite price. With My Wounds and My Divine Heart, everything can be obtained.
† From My Wounds proceed fruits of sanctity. As gold purified in the crucible becomes more beautiful, so you must put your soul and those of your companions into My sacred Wounds; there they will become perfected as gold in the furnace. You can always purify yourself in My Wounds.
† My Wounds will repair yours. My Wounds will cover all your faults. Those who honor them will have a true knowledge of Jesus Christ. In meditation on them, you will always find a new love. My wounds will cover all your sins.
† Plunge your actions into My Wounds and they will be of value. All your actions, even the least, soaked in My Blood, will acquire by this alone an infinite merit and will please My Heart.
† In offering My Wounds for the conversion of sinners, even though the sinners are not converted, you will have the same merit before God as if they were.
† When you have some trouble, something to suffer, quickly place it in My Wounds, and the pain will be alleviated.
† This aspiration must often be repeated near the sick: "My Jesus, pardon and mercy through the merits of Your Holy Wounds!" This prayer will solace soul and body.
† A sinner who will say the following prayer will obtain conversion: "Eternal Father, I offer You the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ to heal those of our souls."
† There will be no death for the soul that expires in My Holy Wounds; they give true life.
† This chaplet is a counterpoise to My justice; it restrains My vengeance.
† Those who pray with humility and who meditate on My Passion, will one day participate in the glory of My divine Wounds.
† The more you will have contemplated My painful Wounds on this earth, the higher will be your contemplation of them glorious in Heaven.
† The soul who during life has honored the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ and has offered them to the Eternal Father for the Souls in Purgatory, will be accompanied at the moment of death by the Holy Virgin and the angels; and Our Lord on the Cross, all brilliant in glory, will receive her and crown her.
† The invocations of the Holy Wounds will obtain an incessant victory for the Church.
(Nihil obstat: Rev. Terry Tekippe, Censor Librorum. Imprimatur: + Most Rev. Francis B. Shulte, Archbishop of New Orleans, 29 December 1989.)

Chaplet of the Holy Wounds:
Use a Rosary beads. Start with these aspirations: †
- O Jesus, Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world. Amen.
- Strong God, Holy God, Immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
- Grace and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Thy Precious Blood. Amen.
- Eternal Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Thy only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech Thee. Amen, Amen, Amen.

The following prayers, composed by Our Lord, are to be said on the Our Father (large) beads:

- Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal those of our souls.

On the Hail Mary (small) beads:

- My Jesus, pardon and mercy, through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.

After 5 decades, you can finish it saying 3 times:

- Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal those of our souls.

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Imploring Graces for Priests

"Offer yourself as a victim for My priests.

Unite yourself to My sacrifice for gaining them graces.”

~ Jesus to Venerable Conchita, Diary, Sept. 24, 1927 ~


THE OFFERING OF THE INCARNATE WORD

Heavenly Father, through the hands of Mary, we offer You, as a victim, the Incarnate Word, in whom You are well pleased. Compelled by the love that the Holy Spirit has over flooded in our hearts, we will constantly offer ourselves, in His union, as living hosts, and we will sacrifice ourselves for Your love, in all the occasions that may arise, imploring graces for the world, the Church and especially for priests. Jesus, savior of all people, save them!

From Apostleship of the Cross

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

St. Jean Vianney, Model of Priestly Holiness

MORE ABOUT ST. JEAN VIANNEY, PATRON SAINT OF ALL PRIESTS

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's Request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Sorrows, for Priests

Our Lady, Mother of Sorrows,
pray for Priests, your special sons.

Strengthen their faith and love of Jesus
in the Most Blessed Sacrament,
so that they may turn to Him
for the grace they need to live
a life faithful to their calling.

Bring comfort,
consolation and courage
to those who are suffering
under the weight of the Cross.
Give them the love of your Son
and zeal for the honor and glory of God,
and the salvation of souls. Amen

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal high Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.

Priests' Lives Must be Centered on the Eucharist

"Priests have no choice, the psychological pressure from the world, the flesh and the devil are too strong to cope with by themselves. The Holy Eucharist must remain if it already is or become, if it is not, the mainstay of their priestly lives. This is no option. It is a law of spiritual survival in every age and with thunderous emphasis, for Catholic priests in our day."

"No doubt the Eucharistic faith and devotion of priests are crucially important in the priestly apostolate. 'Like priest, like people' is a truism of the Church's history. But 'like Eucharist, like priest' is also a sobering fact of the Church's biography.

"Priests are as selfish and chaste, as sacrificing and humble, as their lives are centered on the Eucharist. The daily and devout offering of the Mass, the daily Holy Hour and frequent benediction, the frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament--these are not superficial priestly devotions. They are expressions of a profound love for Jesus Christ, now living and offering Himself for our sanctification on earth on our way to eternity."

~ Servant of God Rev. John Hardon ~

AN APPEAL FOR ONE HOUR OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR PRIESTS

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us respond generously to the Holy Spirit's request, through the voice of His Church, to offer up to God Eucharistic adoration for priests. Amen.