Priesthood Sunday, October 29, is a day especially chosen to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Orders--the sacrament of priestly dedication. This Sunday, we acknowledge and honor the priests of our parish. Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Fr. Jean Félicien
serve us with holy guidance, patient teaching, and gentle spiritual encouragement. They deliver an opportunity for us to grow closer to God as they serve “In the Person of Christ”. Their vocation calls them to serve as pastoral counselors for our spiritual journey. Now let us offer prayer and heartfelt thanks for their sacrifice and commitment:
A Priesthood Sunday Prayer
Mary, Mother of Jesus, throw your mantle of purity over our priests. Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart. Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness. Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus. Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal. Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips, so that he is the one they offer to sinner and to all they meet.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy. Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted. Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus. Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart. Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate, so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ.
Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus. Amen.