Joseph Lee Hooker: "Our Priests" Shows Solidarity and Support for the Priesthood

Joseph Lee Hooker sings the headline single from his 2009 "Our Priests" album, which has garnered accolades from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Benedict XVI himself.

Hooker, a devout Catholic and shockingly, a documented abuse victim of the priest scandal first revealed in the late 90's in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, felt a compulsion to show solidarity and support for the priesthood and its countless members who strive to eradicate the current stigma of abuse and scandal.

"I've known so many priests in my life who have helped and supported me in my struggles and my faith," Hooker said. "Those priests, the true shepherds, help to heal and erase the damage done by others." The artist's response was to create this inspirational work that calls priests to a higher standard and has received an apostolic blessing from the pope.



 

Lyrics:

In this world of darkness, still there shines a light
Standing with God's people to show them what is right
They carry on the wisdom that God has handed down
They are truly diamonds in our Savior's crown

Our priests, they are treasures
Their hands, our saving grace
Instruments of God, they must never be disgraced
Our priests

The world calls and taunts them, yet they firmly stand
Bringing light to darkness at the Lord's command
Serving Bread of Angels to the hungry lambs
Their voice of truth will lead us to the Promised Land

Eyes upon the Saviour, guided by their vow
Strongly must they shepherd, yet humbly must they bow
Shining light from heaven, teaching truth sublime
Reaching for perfection, touching the divine

Our priests, our saving grace, our priests
Never be disgraced, our priests, our saving grace

Copyright 2009, 2010 Joseph Lee Hooker
Published by: Come Alive Communications, Inc., ASCAP
All world rights reserved.
Come Alive Music - "The Melody of Inspiration"

 

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.

3-Year-Old Samuel Jaramillo "Celebrates" Mass and Wants to Be a Priest

A three-year-old Colombian boy has garnered attention across the internet for a video in which he dons priestly garments and “celebrates” Mass, reciting the liturgy from memory...

 

His relatives told reporters that last Christmas, Jaramillo did not ask for toys like most kids his age. Instead, he wanted “priest’s clothes” and the objects necessary to “celebrate” Mass.

 

He has learned to recite the Mass from memory with the corresponding pauses, intonations and gestures of an experienced priest...

 

In an interview with RCN television, Jaramillo said he wants to be a priest when he grows up.

 

~ Excerpts from here. ~

 

 

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

Tribute to Pope Benedict XVI

In response to our beloved Holy Father's Feb. 11, 2013 announcement of his resignation, the Sisters created this tribute to Pope Benedict XVI.
 

~ The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist ~

 



Future Pope Francis on Holy Eucharist, Priesthood, Vocations to the Priesthood

"In the last Supper we have been born as priests.  There isn't the Eucharist without the priesthood and the priesthood doesn't exist without the Eucharist.  Only the priest who has received the Sacrament of Holy Orders can validly celebrate the Eucharist, because there is something mysterious there.

 

"The Eucharist isn't a reunion of friends who come to pray and eat bread and wine.  The Eucharist is fundamentally priestly, because the first Eucharist was celebrated in a priestly way by the unique High Priest, in whose priesthood we ourselves participate, Jesus Christ. He was the priest and was the victim of the Sacrifice.

 

"Once when I was in the seminary, my grandmother told me never to forget that I was going to be a priest, and the most important thing for a priest was to celebrate the Mass.  And she reminded me about a mother who said to her son, who was a very holy priest, she told him, "Celebrate the Mass, each Mass, as if it were the first and the last."

 

"With what greatness the priest has to prepare himself to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Such a beautiful thing!  Such a great thing!  Something that fills us with joy!  And what applies to the priest also applies in a way to each of the faithful who participate in the common priesthood of all the faithful.  He can't celebrate the Eucharist, but he can participate in the celebration.  This is the greatest thing that can take place during the day.  It is the most profound, the most priestly. For this reason we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ the Priest who offers His Sacrifice to the Father.

 

"But back to the priest--if some of you who are listening to me  are young people, doesn't this excite you?  Don't you feel that God is calling you to this great thing--to have in your hands the Body of Christ?"

 

(From EWTN's exclusive interview with Cardinal-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, now Pope Francis. In this excerpt, the future Pope talks about his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. )

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 Francis Asks For Prayers: Join Rosary for the Bishop

"First and foremost I would like to say a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI. Let us pray together for him, that the Lord bless him and the Virgin keep him.”

“And now let us begin this journey, bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome, which is the one that leads all the churches in charity. A journey of fraternity, of trust between us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the world so that this might be a great brotherhood...
 

Now I would like to impart the blessing, but first, first I ask a favor of you. Before the bishop blesses the people, I ask that you pray to the Lord that He bless me: the prayer of the people asking a blessing for their bishop. Let us pray in silence, this your prayer for me.”

 

~ Pope Francis ~

  



~ Join Rosary for the Bishop for Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome,  here.

~ Join Rosary for the Bishop for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,  here. ~
 

Adopt a Cardinal to Spiritually Support During the Papal Election Process

What about you? Do you feel the same way too?

• Are you infinitely thankful to God for having given us such a wonderful, wise and benevolent pope in Benedict XVI.?
• Do you sincerely hope that the Church will be granted a worthy successor: a rock of faith, a leader open to the Holy Spirit, a pope prayerful and holy?
• Do you as an important part of the Body of Christ wish to contribute through the power of your prayers so that the Holy Spirit may guide, protect and enlighten our Cardinals when they determine the next successor of St. Peter?

You now have the opportunity to actively be part of this providential endeavour by having a Cardinal assigned to you, who you will support through your prayer and intercession during the coming weeks before and during the conclave and for three days following the election.

Click here to "Adopt"!

Currently 102827 people have adopted a Cardinal!

 

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 the Church Cannot Change the Priesthood to Allow Women Priests

"In theology we base ourselves not on human expectations, but we base ourselves on the revealed Word of God--on what God has said--and the priesthood is not a natural human social function.  The Catholic priesthood is tied with the unique priesthood of Christ, which means we are not free to invent the priesthood according to our own customs, according to our own expectations.  We interpret the priesthood through Christ, and the Catholic priesthood has been instituted by Christ--not invented by the Church. 

 

"The apostles were not elected.  They were not designated by the crowds.  They didn't propose themselves.  They were chosen by Christ.  He chose men as priests.

 

"At the Incarnation the Son of God became flesh, and became flesh not in a sexless humanity but as a male.  So this is the fundamental reason why the Church cannot change the priesthood, the understanding of the priesthood, allowing for the ordination of women."

 

~ Dominican Father Wojciech Giertych, theologian of the papal household ~

 

 

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.

Opus Bono Sacerdotii Calling All Catholics to Help Priests in Need

"My dear friends, be aware of the great gift that priests represent for the Church and the world. Through their ministry the Lord continues to save mankind, to make Himself present, to sanctify. Give thanks to God and above all remain close to your priests with prayer and support, especially in moments of difficulty”.

 

~ Pope Benedict XVI, May 5th, 2010 General Audience ~

 

 

~ True Stories of Priests in Need from Opus Bono Sacerdotii ~

 

Opus Bono Sacerdotii Prayer for Priests

 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest and exemplar of priestly holiness and dignity, we are grateful to You for having chosen certain men for the ministerial priesthood by which You continue to instruct, admonish, forgive, nourish and strengthen Your Church. We are sorely awware of the great need of priests in our time to be confirmed in their sacred calling so that they may continue confidently in their ministry of mediating Your graces to men and of representing them before Your august majesty. Relying on the intercession of Holy Mary, Mother of priests, and of Saint Joseph, Her beloved spouse, we beg Your help for the priests who are the most troubled, tempted, discouraged and suffering. May the noble and sacred office of the priesthood, which has too often been reviled and scorned, regain its admirable stature in the sight of all men for Your greater honor and glory, and for the sanctification and salvation of Your people.

 

~ Fr. Byers of Holy Souls Hermitage encourages support of Opus Bono Sacerdotti ~

 

~ National Catholic Register 2007 interview of Joseph Maher of Opus Bono Sacerdotii ~  



 

 

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 Eucharistic adoration for priests.  Amen.

CatholicPrayerCards.org: A Prayer for All Bishops

With the ever increasing attack on our religious freedoms, our Bishops are on the front battle lines of the war on religion. We need to pray for our Bishops now more than ever.

~  CatholicPrayerCards.org ~

Fr. Gordon MacRae: The Scandal of False Accusations Against Priests

"In my review of David F. Pierre’s landmark book, Catholic Priests Falsely Accused, I pointed out the hard evidence raised by former Los Angeles prosecutor Donald Steier that a full fifty percent of the claims against Catholic priests have been false and tainted by the lure of money. This aspect of the scandal has been grossly overlooked by the entire Church, and a part of our sacrifice as a Church must not be to sacrifice justice for priests falsely accused. Someone might argue that I have a vested interest in taking that position. Perhaps that’s true, but no justice afforded to me now will give me back even one of the 6,361 days and nights taken from me in prison. Those are my sacrifice, and this Lent I offer that sacrifice for the Church, for the priesthood, and for the readers of These Stone Walls who come here from the city on a hill with a search for truth and justice in their hearts."

~ Fr. Gordon MacRae, excerpt from here ~

*EXCLUSIVE REPORT* Alarming New Evidence May Exonerate Imprisoned 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.

The Secret of Priestly Holiness and Supernatural Fruitfulness

If only souls knew the power to purify and to transform
that emanates from My tabernacles!
If only My priests knew this
they would hasten into My presence
and remain there,
waiting for Me to do in them
what, of themselves, they cannot do.

It is the simple prayer of adoration
that renders a priest fit for the sacred ministry
by giving him a pure heart
and by correcting all that is incompatible with My Divine Holiness
and with My Priestly Love in his life.
This way of holiness through adoration
is a secret revealed to My saints in ages past,
and it is a gift that I am offering My priests
in these times of impurity, persecution, and darkness.

For impurity,
I will give them a shining purity
that will blaze before the eyes of the world
as a testimony to Divine Love.
For persecution
I will give them a manly strength and a resoluteness of purpose
that will confound those who plot their downfall.
For darkness
I will give them a clear light by which to order their steps
and see what choices are pleasing to My Heart.

Time spent in My presence is not time wasted.
It is the ground and support
of every word spoken by My priests in the exercise of their ministry;
it is the secret of a priestly action that is supernaturally fruitful,
bearing fruit that will last.

~ Excerpt from Vultus Christi ~

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 Intercession for a Stillborn Baby Boy

Bonnie Engstrom remembers praying silently to Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen over and over again after her baby son was born lifeless and without a pulse for 61 minutes.

~ Excerpt from Catholic News Agency ~

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.

~ From archbishopsheencause.org ~

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. Padre Pio and Fr. Stefano Manelli, His Spiritual Child

Today is the Feast of St. Pio, affectionately known as Padre Pio, a modern miracle worker who had the stigmata of Our Lord's wounds imprinted visibly on his flesh. He was spiritual director of Fr. Stefano Manelli, our founder, and his entire family.

Mass offered by Fr. Stefano Manelli:

Fr. Stefano Maria Manelli was born in Fiume/Rijeka (Hrvatska), Italy on May 1, 1933. His parents were Servant of God Settimio Manelli and Servant of God Licia Gualandris, spiritual children of St. Pio of Prietrelcina. He was the sixth of the twenty-one children.

He received his first communion from Padre Pio himself in 1938.

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. Raymond Nobiletti, M.M.: Maryknoll Priest, 9/11 First Responder and Survivor

"...the phone rang and a neighboring parish priest asked if I could go immediately to the World Trade Center. Priests were needed to minister to the wounded. The office TV then revealed that this was no small plane crash."

"Stunned by the image of the towering inferno, I was in a daze while collecting the Holy Oils, stole, and prayer book needed to administer the Sacraments. This would not be the first time in 30 years of priesthood that I would walk into a disaster such as this. In 1972 in Hong Kong, I was waist deep in the mud of a landslide that took the lives of 72 people. I learned how important it was to be an instrument of God’s presence and am still humbled by that privilege. I knew that the presence of a priest would be important to both survivors and responders that morning at the World Trade Center."

"God’s presence was made visible in the Sacraments of the Church, the ministry of the priesthood, and the compassion shown toward the victims by the first responders. It was spontaneous and unexpected as are so many important and meaningful occasions of God’s presence in the face of evil. God’s grace led me down to the World Trade Center that day. The needs of the people and victims were more important than the risk of being there. I did think that I would see God face-to-face that morning."

"The recognizable presence of a priest who represents the compassion and forgiveness of God should never be underestimated, especially in the midst of sudden crisis or in the face of such evil. The presence of God and the grace of God was and still is tangible at Ground Zero.

What a gift and privilege it was to be an instrument of God’s grace and part of the team of people from all walks of life who made God so present to all on that day. In our own life journey everyday, we continue to experience God’s presence in these people and this place.

 

Father Raymond Nobiletti, M.M., excerpts from his remembrance of 9/11

Chinatown, New York City,

September 2011

Lord, give me comfort, give me strength, give me hope in the face of sorrow. Give me the knowledge that you are beside me today and every tomorrow. Let me be there for others who reach out to me in their time of need. Let me follow the path you set for me, no matter where it may lead.

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.

Servants of Christ Priest: Lives Offered for the Sanctification of Priests

We offer our life as a continuous offering for the personal sanctification of all priests of the Holy Catholic Apostolic Roman Church...

The Servants of Christ the Priest is a new foundation of Catholic religious family, with all the difficulties that has a new foundation, in existence for two years in the Diocese of Porto - Portugal, with a canonical process for approval of the Statutes of the Community course. This new foundation has the charisma and intended to promote dignity of the liturgy, parishes and religious communities that do not sing the Divine Office, forming and helping the people of God for the worthy celebration of the praise due to the Blessed Trinity. + You who love the God, look upon those who work in establishing the kingdom of Christ! This new religious family needs your help! + All the work of God, born of His holy will, and grow by the Brothers of Charity. We, the Servants of Christ the Priest, despite the great desire to serve Christ in all of our being, we can not do it for lack of physical and economic conditions. Thanks to the glorious action of Divine Providence, we have place for our first convent, however, we need material for our Chapel and all aid is welcome. We still need a wood stove, dishwasher, beds, etc., so we implore the Holy Trinity that touch the hearts of all our brothers in Christ, so that with everyone's help, we can bring to fruition, this work of God started in us. For our part, we will continue to say YES - FIAT, as the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, Patroness and Queen, with the title of Holy Mother Church, so that, like her, regardless of the difficulties and obstacles, can deliver us all day, those who in His infinite mercy, has delivered us from darkness, and called us into his marvelous light. You, dear brother, dear sister, you read this letter, if God calls you to work with him, asking you what He Himself has given you, you respond to His holy calling, for this cause by sharing the little they have not forgetting, which is never how much is it that pleases God, but the joy of doing, and, in the person of the brothers, serve the Lord Christ himself. We hope that very soon, we can arrange a ride-living, our small and very dear convent, so that everyone can see for themselves the place that He, in His infinite goodness, has prepared in order The radicalism of the total serving a life consecrated to Him and delivered, to the salvation of souls and the sanctification of his priests. * This community lives in Providence and love of the brothers committed and faithful to Jesus Christ ... * * Help this work God to grow and multiply! * * Be a Patron of the Work of God! * * May the Lord Almighty, the reward at 100 for 1! * + Come, ye blessed of my Father! + Servants of Christ the Priest Street Tristan Vaz Teixeira, 97, 2 TC 4435-494 RIO TINTO PORTUGAL@ general servosdecristo priest . com +351 22 4881348 (Translation by Google)

~ From Servants of Christ 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.

Pope Benedict XVI Counsels Seminarians in Madrid During World Youth Day 2011

"To be modeled on Christ, dear seminarians, is to be identified ever more closely with him who, for our sake, became servant, priest and victim. To be modeled on him is in fact the task upon which the priest spends his entire life. We already know that it is beyond us and we will not fully succeed but, as St Paul says, we run towards the goal, hoping to reach it (cf. Phil 3:12-14).

"That said, Christ the High Priest is also the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep, even giving his life for them (cf. Jn 10:11). In order to liken yourselves to the Lord in this as well, your heart must mature while in seminary, remaining completely open to the Master. This openness, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit, inspires the decision to live in celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven and, leaving aside the world’s goods, live in austerity of life and sincere obedience, without pretence."

"Under the guidance of your formators, open your hearts to the light of the Lord, to see if this path which demands courage and authenticity is for you. Approach the priesthood only if you are firmly convinced that God is calling you to be his ministers, and if you are completely determined to exercise it in obedience to the Church’s precepts.

"With this confidence, learn from him who described himself as meek and humble of heart, leaving behind all earthly desire for his sake so that, rather than pursuing your own good, you build up your brothers and sisters by the way you live, as did the patron saint of the diocesan clergy of Spain, St John of Avila. Moved by his example, look above all to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests. She will know how to mould your hearts according to the model of Christ, her divine Son, and she will teach you how to treasure for ever all that he gained on Calvary for the salvation of the world. Amen."

~ Pope Benedict XVI; excerpts from Eucharist with Seminarians Homily, August 20, 2011 ~ 

 

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.

Interesting Facts About American Priests and World Youth Day

More than half of the priests who were ordained in the U.S. in 2011 were between the ages of 25 and 34. This according to a report released by the American Conference of Catholic Bishops. About 480 priests were ordained this year and roughly 20 percent of them attended World Youth Day at one time in their lives.

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 Charles Chaput: Requirements for Real Reform in the Church

"...Bishops, priests, and deacons are too often weak and sinful. They need to be held to high standards. Some deserve to be chastised. The clergy’s leadership in the Church should always be marked by humility and service, and never by a sense of entitlement. But men and women didn’t found the Church, they don’t own her; and they have no license to reinvent her. The Church belongs to Jesus Christ, and the different roles with the Christian community – clergy, laity, and religious life – have equal dignity but different purposes. Sin and failure, including by the clergy, need to be named. But when people deride their bishops and priests out of pride and resentment or some perverse desire for they perceive as “power,” they undermine the Church herself, and they set themselves against the God whose vessel she is. And that, as Scripture suggests, leads in a painful direction.

"All real reform in the Church requires two things...Renewal begins not in vilifying others, but in examining ourselves honestly, repenting of our sins and changing ourselves. This applies to every baptized person, from the Pope to the average man or woman earning a wage. We are all sinners. We are all in need of repentance and God’s mercy. When we really understand that, we can speak to each other with both honesty and love, and restoring the mission of the Church can begin.

"Today’s Gospel gives us the second thing needed for any lasting reform: faith. Not faith as theology, or faith as a collection of doctrines and practices; but faith as a single-minded confidence in God; faith as the humility – and in a sense, the imprudence, the passion, the recklessness – to give ourselves entirely to Jesus Christ. That kind of faith changes people. That kind of faith shifts the world on its axis, because nothing can stand against it. As long as Peter keeps his eyes and his heart fixed on Jesus Christ, he can do the impossible – he can walk on the water. The moment he gives in to doubt and fear, he begins to sink. So it is with our personal faith, and so it is with life and the health of the Church.

"...God is calling each of us here today – clergy, lay, and religious – to love him with all our hearts and to renew the life of his Church. God is calling us now. Tomorrow will be too late. So let’s pray for each other, and support each other – and begin."

~ Archbishop Charles Chaput; excerpt from homily ~ 

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: Role Model and Patron for all Priests

"Behold the power of the priest!

The tongue of the priest makes God from a morsel of bread!

It is more than creating the world...

The Blessed Virgin cannot make her divine Son descend into the host.

A priest can, however simple he may be."

~ St. Jean Vianney ~

John Cardinal Carberry's Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life.

In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them. In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.

O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much. Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy.

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.

Venerable Fr. Nelson Baker: "The Amazing Good That One Priest Can Do"

"While the Church has not yet officially declared him a saint, most people in Buffalo, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, through the years have always spoken of Father Baker as a saint. The institutions that he founded continue to serve people today. The infant home now cares for severely handicapped children. Young people in need of supervision are helped at Baker Hall. The hospital has been reborn as an institution that cares for the aging. The parish remains active with about 2000 families and a large parochial school. Pilgrims still come in even greater numbers than before. They do so to pay tribute to Our Lady of Victory, but also to honor Father Baker."

"I also marveled at the amazing good that one priest can do. I thought of the fine work of our priests here at home in the Diocese of Syracuse — who on a day-to-day basis serve the needs of our people in parishes and institutions. They do so, perhaps not in the extraordinary manner of Father Baker, but nevertheless in a very real and personal way. They serve faithfully the needs of God’s people and respond to God’s call to holiness of life."

Father Baker’s favorite prayer:

O Victorious Lady! Thou who has such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the canonization of Father Baker:

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.

~ Excerpts from Bishop Robert Cunningham's column ~

Previous posts about Venerable Fr. Nelson Baker:

~ American priest Fr. Nelson Baker, Apostle of Charity ~

~ Fr. Nelson Baker Declared Venerable ~

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.