Father, we praise and bless Your Holy Name,
for, by Your Holy Spirit
You have anointed Your only Son, born of the Virgin Mary,
our great High Priest of the new and eternal covenant.
In Your love, You graciously give to all the baptized
a share in His one priesthood.
And, from these, Christ Your Son calls some men to share in His priesthood in a special way,
making them stewards of the Mysteries of God.
We joyfully thank You for our priests
who answer His call each day
with their lives of generous service to all of Your children.
They are a most precious gift of Your Divine Mercy.
Strengthen them in their ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Lift them up when they are cast down.
Forgive them when they fail.
Enlighten their minds with the Truth of the Gospel.
Inflame their hearts with love of Your Holy Church, and
fill them with the overflowing joy of Your Grace.
Through the intercession of St. John Vianney, patron of all priests,
we humbly ask You to make our priests true shepherds,
each one willing to lay down his life for his flock
after the example of Your own divine Son
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli S.T.D., S.S.L., D.D.
