Holy Desires: Imitation of the Saints in the Way of Perfection

"St. Teresa says that the devil seeks to persuade us that it would be pride in us to desire a high degree of perfection, or to wish to imitate the saints. She adds, that it is a great delusion to regard strong desires of sanctity as the offspring of pride; for it is not pride in a soul diffident of herself and trusting only in the power of God, to resolve to walk courageously in the way of perfection, saying with the Apostle: I can do all things in him who strengthened me. 1 Of myself I can do nothing; but, by his aid I shall be able to do all things, and therefore I resolve, with his grace, to desire to love him as the saints have loved him."

~  St. Alphonsus Liguori:  Excerpt from The True Spouse of Jesus Christ ~

"Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

God our Father in heaven,

God the Son, our redeemer,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, One God

Holy Mary Mother of God,

Saint Joseph, Spouse of Mary,

Saints Peter, Paul and Holy apostles,

Saint Isaac Jogues and Holy Martyrs,

Saint Patrick, Bishops and Priests,

Saints Dominic and Catherine,

Saints Francis and Claire,

Saint Theresa of Jesus,

Saint Peter Claver,

Saint Juan Diego,

Saint Rose of Lima,

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys,

Saint Thérèse of Lesieux,

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton,

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini,

Saint John Neumann,

Saint Teresa Benedicta,

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha,

Blessed Edmund Rice,

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta,

Lord, show us your kindness

Draw young people to serve you,

in priesthood,

and religious life.

Inspire the people of our world

with respect for human life

that there may be an end

to the culture of death.

Guide and protect

the dioceses of Baltimore,

Boston, Louisville, New York,

Philadelphia and all your Church.

Keep our Holy Father,

our Bishops and all clergy,

in faithful service

to your Church."

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.