The priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids attend a retreat together every fall. This fall convocation is an important time away from their parishes to build camaraderie, pray together, engage in continuing formation, and celebrate milestone anniversaries. Let us join in prayer as a Catholic community tomorrow, September 25, to lift up our shepherds.
O Jesus, our great High Priest, Hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priest, Father [N].
Give him a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of his priestly life.
In his loneliness, comfort him. In his sorrows, strengthen him. In his frustrations, point out to him that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show him he is needed by the Church, he is needed by souls, he is needed for the work of redemption.
O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your son who is close to you because of his priestly ordination, and because of the power which he has received to carry on the work of Christ in a world that needs him so much.
Be his comfort, be his joy, be his strength, and especially help him to live and defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy. Amen. **Courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
>>>> Click here for a list of parishes and times to gather together in prayer.