Mary, Mother of Priests

The quickest and surest way to have a closer relationship with Jesus is through His Blessed Mother. She is the one that He chose to give to all of us, God's children, as our Mother and Queen. There is no more powerful intercessor for us before the throne of God. No one else, except Jesus, has suffered as much for the sake of her children. Jesus told Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida (Conchita), "Without Mary, God did not want that Redemption would be possible, nor the Church, nor the Eucharist, nor salvation of the human race."

For those Catholics or other Christians who object to the powerful role assigned to the Blessed Virgin Mary by God Himself, it would be wise to pray for enlightenment--if you truly don't want to offend Jesus. Everything He does and decides comes from love for mankind. He shares His own Mother with us, an awesome generosity! To reject His wisdom and His Mother (and ours) is an affront to Jesus, our Savior and our God. From a purely human point of view, most of us would strenuously object if someone mistreated our earthly mother. Could Jesus, with His infinite sensitivity as God, be less offended when His own Mother is ignored or insulted?

Even more is Jesus offended if the ones with little respect and love for His Mother are priests. In this Year of the Priest, it is especially important for all priests to develop a closer relationship with their heavenly Mother. For the rest of us, prayers to the Blessed Mother for priests are encouraged. To Venerable Conchita Jesus said,

"...if My priests progress in virtue, it will be through Mary; if they want to grow in the knowledge and love of the Holy Spirit, let them make her more their own and let them make her known and let them glorify her."

"... I ask this much more of them, that they do not hurt, nor remain distant from Mary, My Mother, so that they treat her as I did, with all filial respect, at the same time with all loving confidence and with a son's intimacy."

"With a summons that arises from the inmost depths of My soul I cry out directly to them today: PRIESTS OF THE LORD, LOVE MARY AND BE TRANSFORMED INTO ME THROUGH MARY!"

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

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Photograph by Lawrence Lew, O.P. from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/31560823201

Decade Prayer for Priests

For those who already pray the Rosary, a simple way to add a prayer for priests is to add this prayer after each decade (following the Fatima decade prayer). It could also be prayed whenever inspired by the Holy Spirit, apart from the Rosary.

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DECADE PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

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God, our Father,

please send us holy priests,

all for the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus,

all for the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,

in union with Saint Joseph.

Amen.

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

"Bring souls to My Eucharistic Heart"

In the Autobiography of Dina Belanger, Jesus shares many confidences. Jesus was specific in His requests of Blessed Dina, a Religious of Jesus and Mary. http://www.leveillee.net/ancestry/dinadates.htm

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Jesus said to Blessed Dina,

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"My Heart overflows with grace for souls! Bring souls to My Eucharistic Heart."

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The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and the Congregation for the Clergy have been specific also in asking priests, religious, and laity to go to Jesus in the Eucharist to pray for priests.

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

Morning Offering for Priests

A good way to start a day is with this prayer of Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.

MORNING OFFERING, PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

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Divine Savior Jesus Christ,

who has entrusted the whole work of Your redemption,

the welfare and salvation of the world

to priests as Your representatives,

through the hands of Your most holy Mother

and for the sanctification of your priests

and candidates to the priesthood,

I offer You this present day wholly and entirely,

with all its prayers, works, joys, sacrifices, and sorrows.

Give us truly holy priests who,

inflamed with the fire of Your divine love,

seek nothing but Your greater glory

and the salvation of our souls.

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And you, Mary,

good Mother of priests,

protect all priests in the dangers of their holy vocation and,

with the loving hand of a Mother,

also lead back to the Good Shepherd

those poor priests

who have become unfaithful to their exalted vocation

and have gone astray.

Amen.

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

God's Will for Priests

Father Mark Kirby has an inspiring, spiritual, and informative blog, definitely worth following if you are interested in the insights of a priest who lives in adoration before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament "offering thanksgiving, intercession, and reparation for all his brothers in Holy Orders. " He was assigned to the Diocese of Tulsa by his Cistercian superior in response to a request by Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa who was motivated by the Congregation for the Clergy's appeal for Eucharistic Adoration and spiritual motherhood for priests.

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Father Kirby's post on June 25, 2009 offers suggestions on things that can be done for the Year of the Priest. If you are a first time visitor to Vultus Christi, resist the temptation to be overwhelmed by the wealth of material offered. It is worth many visits back to explore the treasures contained within his pages.

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It is awesome to contemplate the way the Holy Spirit is inspiring initiatives for the sanctification of His priests. He's using the Holy Father, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, and the laity. He's using the learned and influential and the simple and ordinary souls. As Saint Therese might say--God is using the little flowers as well as the more impressive flowers. The important thing is that all Catholics, including priests, be united in a bouquet of spiritual support for priests, because it is what God wants and has made clear through the voice of His Church.

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Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, a Mexican mystic, was called by God to a special mission of offering herself for the sanctification of priests. She is among the holy women written of in the Congregation for the Clergy's documents asking for prayer for priests. In Conchita A Mother's Spiritual Diary, Conchita records Jesus' words to her:

"I want to return to the world in My priests. I want to renew the world of souls by making Myself seen in My priests. I want to give a mighty impulse to My Church infusing in her, as it were, a new Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, in My priests." (Diary, Jan. 5, 1928)

"To obtain what I ask, every priest must make a consecration to the Holy Spirit, asking Him, through Mary's intercession, to come to them as it were in a new Pentecost, to purify them, to fill them with love, possess them, unify them, sanctify them and transform them into Me." (Diary, Jan. 25, 1928)

"Do you want to save the world?...if you want to save souls, there is only one and powerful means: holy priests...your mission on behalf of them will continue in heaven."

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us to 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 Need Prayers

I want to share Fr. Thomas Euteneuer's reflections on the Year of the Priest and the need for prayers for priests. God bless him for sharing his thoughts!

I think that many parish priests are hesitant to say much about needing and wanting prayers, because they are usually focused on serving and ministering to others and not on drawing attention to themselves.

In some areas of the country, most Catholics don't even know about the Year of the Priest yet. Those of us who love and appreciate our priests need to speak up on their behalf and spread the word! Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." You can be the one in your parish. There are many things one person can do.

The first thing to do is ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and the Blessed Mother to help you to do what God might be asking of you. Some ideas are:

You could make a morning offering for priests some days or every day.

You could ask your pastor to have a Rosary for priests after every Mass.

You could ask for a weekly or monthly day of Eucharistic adoration for priests. If your parish already has Eucharistic adoration, you could encourage more participation for the intention of prayer for priests.

You could make a poster on the computer to let people know about this special year and put it on church bulletin boards.

You could write and submit bulletin announcements about prayer for priests.

You could ask for a First Saturday Mass for priests.

You could suggest daily prayer for priests by Catholic school children when school is in session.

You could suggest a contest for Catholic school children concerning Eucharistic adoration for priests (e.g. poster contest or essays)--a wonderful opportunity for them to become informed about Eucharistic adoration, and hopefully participate in it.

You could purchase prayer cards, Rosary for priests leaflets (Ecclesia Dei 1-847-724-7151); you could order a book of prayers for priests (from Crusade for Priests, in the links) and get permission to put them in parish display racks.

You could ask your priest for a homily on the eternal priesthood of Jesus and why a priest is called an alter Christus.

If you feel inspired to do something, pray for the grace to act on the inspiration with love and gratitude for our priests and joy in being used by God for His priest sons.

Jesus told Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, "If the faithful love Me, if they want to glorify Me as is their duty of love, nothing can be greater for them to do for Me than what they do for My priests, which is as they would have done for Me Myself..."

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

A Priest Hero

In yesterday's post, I wrote about the death of Father Tim Vakoc, the first military chaplain seriously injured in the Iraq war. He was returning from presiding at a Mass for soldiers when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. It was the 12th anniversary of his ordination, May 29, 2004. He was 45 years old. He lost his left eye in the blast and suffered trauma to the brain causing paralysis and loss of speech. The years since then have been filled with medical scares, emergencies, and achingly slow rehabilitation.

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A few days after he was injured, Father Vakoc was transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. On his arrival there, Archbishop Edwin O'Brien told him, "You are still a priest. This bed is now your altar, and this is where you are now called to serve as priest."

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Father Tim suffered long and courageously, inspiring love, prayers, and the admiration of thousands as he accepted the difficulties and pain of his situation without complaint. Father not only talked about living in God's will--he lived it. Brother Conrad Richardson, a member of the Franciscan Brothers of Peace, once said of his visits to Father Vakoc, "Every time I visit him, I feel the presence of Jesus on that altar of his bed, and I see Jesus in his brokenness."

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On June 10, 2009, there was a special Mass in celebration of Father Tim's 17 years as a Roman Catholic priest. As recently as June 11th, the prayer petitions on his CaringBridge.org website included :

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"That he be able to swallow, so that he can receive Holy Communion.

For full use of his right arm, especially now as he attempts to do blessings with his right arm."

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What a man! What a priest! What a hero! What an alter Christus! God bless Father Timothy Vakoc!

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Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us to 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. Tim Vakoc, rest in peace

Early this morning in our parish Eucharistic adoration chapel, I was praying for Father Tim Vakoc, not realizing he had passed away on Saturday, June 20th. He has been on the prayer list in our chapel for several years, including pictures of him and information about his rehabilitation progress gleaned from his Caring Bridge.org website. Fr. Vakoc was the first military chaplain seriously injured in the Iraq war. He has been an inspiration to many who knew him personally and many who didn't. I hope I can always remember his words that have touched my heart since I first read them, "The safest place for me to be is in the center of God's will, and if that is in the line of fire, that is where I will be."

Archbishop John Nienstedt has asked for everyone to remember Father Tim in prayer. http://thecatholicspirit.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2045&pop

Eternal Father, I offer You the Most Precious Blood

of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,

in union with the Masses said throughout the world today

for Fr. Tim Vakoc, for all faithful departed priests,

and all the holy souls in purgatory.

May his soul

and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

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

Countless Priests

I am very much indebted to countless Catholic priests, beginning with the one who baptized me as a newborn. Then there was the priest who heard my first confession, the priest who gave me my first Holy Communion, the Bishop who confirmed me, the priest who witnessed my marriage--all major life changing,

Sacramental, blessed events. I can't forget the priests who celebrated the Masses I attended, consecrated the Hosts I received in Holy Communion, heard my confessions and absolved me of my sins, who helped bury my loved ones, who counseled and encouraged.

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This same pattern was repeated in my husband's life. Then, it started all over again with our children and grandchildren who benefit in the same ways by the ministry of priests. The priests from previous generations, who nurtured the faith of our ancestors who passed down the faith to us, must be included. The priests who educated the seminarians, who became the priests who touched our lives and ministered to us, are also owed our gratitude. The number of Catholic priests that any one family is indebted to is staggering and humbling! Only a loving God could provide so well for us.

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I haven't mentioned all the good priests who influenced, and continue to influence, the lives of all the people that we and our loved ones come in contact with or affected by in the course of our lives--the ethical civil servants and medical personnel, the dedicated teachers, the honest plumbers and merchants, etc., etc., etc. The list could go on and on. God is so good to us in countless ways!

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It is easy to take God's blessings for granted. In this special Year of the Priest, we are being given the encouragement and opportunity to make spiritual "payments" on our debt before God for so great a gift as the priesthood and the Sacramental blessings that are ours because of priests. Please, Lord, help us to not disappoint You!

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

Gift of Faith

I am deeply grateful for the gift of faith in the Eucharist. I realize that faith is a gift from God, freely given. I did nothing to earn it or deserve it. When Jesus discoursed on the Eucharist (John 6) many of His followers walked away because they said it was too hard to believe, and so it is without God's gift of faith. If many of God's children don't have this gift, it is not because God doesn't want to give it.

Even many Catholics do not believe what the Church teaches about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. My intent is not to teach those who do not believe, but to challenge them to pray fervently for God to reveal the truth to them, to accept the truth if it is revealed to them, and to study reliable Church sources like the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Another outstanding resource is the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association listed in the links on this page. The most important element is prayer, because God does not refuse His best spiritual gifts to those who sincerely ask with a humble and contrite heart. Also, don't hesitate to approach a Catholic priest with your questions and doubts.

I am acutely aware of the fact that of everyone to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48). Since I have been blessed with a great love for and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, I have an obligation and desire to share that faith and to draw as many as possible into His Eucharistic Presence where they will receive special blessings. To Blessed Dina Belanger, Jesus said, "My Heart overflows with grace for souls! Bring souls to My Eucharistic Heart."

For those who are not Catholic, and perhaps have never been inside a Catholic church, you are welcome to visit our churches or chapels of Eucharistic adoration. Let yourself experience being in the Real Presence of your Eucharistic Lord and Savior. Open yourself up to His awesome love and mercy that emanates from Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Visiting Jesus in the Eucharist is not just for Catholics, but for everyone!

After Jesus, we have our Catholic priests to thank for the great gift of the Eucharist, the Church's greatest treasure, the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ Himself. Lord, bless your priests, fill them with Your grace, help them to be saints. Bless Your Church with many holy priests, enough to satisfy Your Eucharistic Heart!

Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, Mother of all priests, and our Mother, help us to 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 Father for Priests

One of my favorite prayers for priests follows. I like that it appeals to our Father in heaven as Jesus taught us to do, and that it includes (in my prayer intentions) ordained priests and priests of the future--"give us priests according to Your Heart." Also, it is easy to memorize and pray whenever so inspired.

OUR FATHER FOR PRIESTS

Our Father Who art in heaven,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

That Thy Name be hallowed,

give us priests according to Your heart.

That Thy kingdom come,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

That Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

To give us each day the Bread of life,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

To forgive us our trespasses,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

That we be not led into temptation,

give us priests according to Your Heart.

And deliver us and all Your priests from evil. Amen.

By Anonymous

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

Year of the Priest

Today, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, begins the Year of the Priest, inspired by the Holy Spirit and declared by Pope Benedict XVI. It is meant to be a special year for the spiritual growth of priests through the intensification of their own prayer life and with the prayer support of the rest of the faithful. It is a year to celebrate and appreciate God's gift of the Catholic priesthood and the multitude of faithful, dedicated priests serving in all corners of the world. It is a year to let priests know of our appreciation and our support and to be generous in our prayers, sacrifices, and Eucharistic adoration for all priests.

Today is also the annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, established in 2002 by Pope John Paul II and decreed to be observed every year on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In addition, the Congregation for the Clergy, with the blessing and encouragement of Pope Benedict XVI, is specifically asking for Eucharistic adoration for priests for the purpose of their sanctification, for reparation, and for vocations to the priesthood. Their goal is to have prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for priests at every hour of the day and night all over the world, including prayers of intercession to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the success of this initiative.

The Holy Spirit is being very clear in His continued calls for spiritual support for priests. His calls echo what Jesus said to Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida, "...I want souls who are dedicated with fervor, with determination and without looking for rest, to plead day and night for My priests."

I dedicate this site to Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, with the hope of being an instrument to draw souls to His Eucharistic Heart on behalf of His beloved priests. Realizing that we can't have even one good thought without God's grace, I am relying on the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide me. I entrust these pages to the Holy Spirit and to Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament who is an expert at leading her other children into closer union with her Son, Jesus Christ.

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