Jlraprs mb Iwntuma

for

fmat 0 lag

From the Original of

P. Willibrord Menke, S. D. S.

by

Winfrid Herbst, S. D. S.

Published by

THE SALYATORIAN FATHERS

St. Nazianz, Wisconsin

1938



Imprimi JMrfit:

Ralph M. Fontaine, S. D. S.,

Superior Provincialis.

imprimatur:

* Paulus Petrus,

Epps. Sinus Viridis.

Green Bay, Wis.,

Dec. 2.3, 1935.

Copyright, 1938, by

THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR
(THE SALVATORIAN FATHERS)

St. Nazianz, Wisconsin

Ocscltfisd

ii



KtttniJmrtiott

PRIEST’S SATURDAY

Divine Savior, Sanctify Thy Priests!

To Our Catholic People:

Listen to what our Holy Father, Pope Pius XI, says:

“God in heaven and I on earth, we desire nothing

imore ardently than prayer and sacrifice for priests . . .

Let us beg God that He may give us holy priests! If we

have this, all else will follow; but if this be wanting,

all else will avail nothing.” It was from this trend of

thought that the idea of the “Priest’s Saturday” took

its origin, which idea the Superior General of the Sal-

vatorian Fathers placed before the Holy Father in special

private audience on November 2.1, 1934* Holiness

was much pleased with the plan and said, in conclusion:

“We heartily praise and bless the work .... We

repeat, the thing pleases Us, We praise and bless it

heartily.”—What is this plan?

The Priest’s Saturday

It is something quite simple and easy, yet immeasurably

great in its results. You should make it a point to offer

the Saturday after the First Friday of each month to

your Savior, through the hands of Mary, the great

mediatrix of all graces, for the sanctification of all the

priests and students for the priesthood throughout the

whole world. For this purpose you should give the

Saturday wholly and entirely to Him, that is to say,

Holy Mass, Holy Communion, all prayers, labors,

sacrifices, joys, and sorrows. Whatever you cannot do

on this day (Holy Mass and Holy Communion) you

ought to supply immediately on Sunday. So there is

iji



really nothing new for you to do. You merely offer
up this Saturday (or even every Saturday or some other
day) for the sanctification of priests. It is not a case of
any sodality or fraternity or anything like that. Like
the First Friday in honor of the Sacred Heart, the Priest’s

Saturday seeks to become something religiously observed

by all the Catholics of the world.

As the Holy Father, so also bishops and priests have
greeted the Priest’s Saturday with joy, have blessed it,

and have recommended it to all. Bishop Dr. Nicholas
Bares of Berlin, from whose diocese the Priest’s Saturday
went out into the world, said: “It is with great joy that
I welcome this saving thought of the Priest’s Saturday.
If a holy priest is the gift of heaven to earth, then the

efforts of the faithful, through prayer and sacrifice, for

holy priests will be the fairest gift of earth to heaven

. . . Therefore I wholeheartedly recommend and bless
this work.’’

Concern about the holiness of priests is the concern

of the Heart of the Divine Savior and of His Blessed

Mother. Therefore, you also should be sure to take

part in this “apostolate to the apostles.’’ The Holy
Father, all bishops, all priests, all students for the

priesthood, and especially also your own pastor, earnestly
beg of you thus to participate.

Remarks

i. The Priest’s Saturday brings about an intimate
union between priests and people. Surely the people

will welcome with great joy the opportunity thus given

to co-operate, by prayer and sacrifice, with the priest

in all the work that he does for the parish. They will
thus merit to have, and will efficaciously make, zealous

and holy priests. Experience shows that also the children

easily understand the Priest’s Saturday and enter with

joy upon this apostolate.

2,. Especially the sick, the convalescent, and the

bodily disabled, who are often so deeply pious and
abounding in virtue, will find Priest’s Saturday a great

and apostolic field of holy endeavor and their lonely

days will take on a new and profound significance as
they realize that a marvelous life-work lies open before

them. Such unselfish and holy effort in behalf of priests,

such prayers and sacrifices, will yield most glorious

fruits and the world will soon feel the blessed influence

of the Priest’s Saturday.
'

'

• •

iv



3- New vocations to the priesthood will be aroused

and fostered, and surely in many a woman’s soul, as she

prays and sacrifices for the sanctification of priests, the

hidden wish will be felt: “Oh, if I myself might become

the mother of a priest!”

4. God grant that all take part in this great “apos-

tolate to the apostles” ! Sutely it is a thing most pleasing

to God and most fruitful in blessings here upon earth,

even as it redounds to the salvation of countless souls.

Spread this idea wherever and whenever you can. Be

a promoter. Get others to spread and promote it.

Remember that concern for the sanctification of priests

is most dear to the Sacred Heart of the Divine Savior

and to the Sweet Heart of His Blessed Mother. It is

their concern.



iioig pnpBtI|onb

Among all the various callings on earth
the vocation to the priesthood is first in

holiness and dignity. The priest is the

mediator between God and men. He is the

dispenser of the mysteries of God. The

teacher of men. The preacher of the word

of God. The confessor. The friend of the

sick and the comforter of the dying. The

offerer . . . the representative of Christ.

“How great is the dignity of priests, to
whom is given that which to the angels is
not granted! For priests alone, rightly

ordained in the Church, have the power of

celebrating and consecrating the Body of

Christ.—A priest clad with the sacred vest-
ments, is Christ’s vicegerent, that he may
suppliantly and humbly pray to God for

himself and for all the people.—When a
priest celebrateth, he honoreth God, he

rejoiceth the angels, he edifieth the Church,

he helpeth the living, he obtaineth rest for

the departed and maketh himself partaker

of all good things.” (The Following of Christ,

Bk. 4, Chap. 5.)

On the first Holy Thursday the Savior
gave to His Apostles the power to offer the

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass when He said:

“Do this for a commemoration of Me.”
On the evening of the first Easter Sunday He
gave them the power to forgive sins. And
during the time that remained before His

ascension into heaven He bestowed upon

—1—



them other powers: to teach, to baptize,

to govern.

It is therefore the defined teaching of the

Church that “There is in the Church of God

a special priesthood with special powers, a

Sacrament of Orders, which bestows upon

the recipient the necessary graces of vocation

and also power over the Sacrifice of the

Church and her Sacraments as well as the

office of teaching and governing the faith-

ful.”

The Apostles exercised their priesthood.

In the Acts of the Apostles we read (2.142.):

“And they were persevering in the doctrine

of the Apostles, and in the communication

of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

By the imposition of hands and prayer

the Apostles communicated the priestly

powers to others and handed on what they

had received. Thus the Apostle Matthias

was chosen to take the place of Judas the

traitor. By fasting, prayer, and the impo-

sition of hands their office was conferred

upon Paul and Barnabas. The Apostles

themselves ordained new priests and installed

them in the newly established parishes.

Paul admonishes Timothy, upon whom he
had conferred the priesthood: “Neglect not

the grace that is in thee, which was given

thee by prophecy, with imposition of the

hands of the priesthood.” (1 Tim. 4:14.)

“For which cause I admonish thee, that

thou stir up the grace of God which is in

thee, by the imposition of my hands.” (2.
Tim. 1:6.) As the Apostles, so also their

successors transmitted these powers to others

and constantly endowed new priests, new

-2—



apostles^ with the powers given by Christ.

Of the first deacon, St. Stephen, Holy

Writ tells us that all those who sat in the
council, looking on him, saw his face as

if it had been the face of an angel. As a

bright light, has the great and unmerited

grace of the priesthood shone down through

the centuries. That it may continue so to

shine in many devout and holy priests de-

pends to a great extent also upon the prayers

of the faithful for the priests. Wherefore,

in the words of St. Gregory:

“Faithful people, pray for your priests!”

—3—



$\t8t Stewitum

Introductory Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, our Father,

we come before Thee in order to thank Thee

for the great grace of the holy priesthood.

And at the same time we humbly beg of

Thee to grant Thine assistance and Thine

abundant blessings to those who serve Thee

in Thy sanctuary.

Help us to understand those sacred words

of Thine which we are about to read and lend

a gracious ear to our prayers through Christ

our Lord. Amen.

First Reading

“All power is given to me in heaven and

on earth. Going therefore, teach ye all

nations: baptizing them in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy

Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things

whatsoever I have commanded you: and

behold I am with you all days, even to the

consummation of the world.’
’

(St. Matt.

i8:i8-xo).

Faith then cometh by hearing; and hear-

ing by the word of Christ.’’ (Rom. 10:17.)

“And he gave some apostles, and some

prophets, and other some evangelists, and

others some pastors and doctors. For the

perfecting of the saints, for the work of the

ministry, for the edifying of the body of

4-



Christ. Until we all meet into the unity of

faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of

God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure

of the age of the fullness of Christ.
’

’ (Ephes.

4 :II
’
I 3-)

Let us pray.

Divine High Priest and Teacher of man-

kind, Thou hast given to Thine Apostles

and their successors for all time the power

to proclaim Thy word to men, to teach, and

to baptize in the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Behold us at Thy feet, beseeching Thee to

fill Thy priests with wisdom and strength,

that they may conscientiously fulfill the

duties of their sublime office according to

Thy will. Let them defend Thy word with

apostolic courage before the great and the

mighty, before the poor and the lowly.

Enkindle in them the fire of true love of God

and the neighbor. Bestow upon them the

seven gifts of the Holy Ghost. Grant them

a truly apostolic zeal for souls, one that

seeks only the glorification of Thy name

and the salvation of the human race for

heaven. Strengthen them in sufferings and

persecutions and grant that they as well as

we may ever be ready, if it be Thy will,

to lay down our lives for our holy faith.

Raise up zealous missionaries who will

announce the glad tidings of the Gospel to

infidels and heretics. Strengthen them in

all dangers. Be their unfailing comfort in

sufferings and adversities.

But as for us, grant that we may never

cease to pray for them, so that together with

—5—



them we may strive manfully for the preser-

vation and spread of the kingdom of God

upon earth. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

Second Reading

"The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at

my right hand: until I make thy enemies thy

footstool. The Lord will send forth the

scepter of thy power out of Sion: rule thou

in the midst of thy enemies . . . The Lord

hath sworn, and he will not repent: thou

art a priest forever according to the order

of Melchisedech.” (Ps. 109:1-4.)

Jesus, “for that he continueth for ever,

hath an everlasting priesthood. Whereby

he is able also to save for ever them that

come to God by him; always living to make

intercession for us. For it was fitting that

we should have such an high priest, holy,

innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,

and made higher than the heavens. Who

needeth not daily (as the other priests) to

offer sacrifices first for his own sins, and

then for the people’s: for this he did once,

in offering himself.” (Heb. 7:14-2.7.)

“Therefore we also give thanks to God

without ceasing: because that when you

had received of us the word of the hearing

of God, you received it not as the word of

men, but (as it is indeed) the word of God,

who worketh in you that have believed.”

(1 Thess. 1:13.)



“And whilst they were at supper, Jesus
took bread, and blessed, and broke: and

gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye,

and eat. This is my body. And taking
the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to

them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this

is my blood of the new testament, which
shall be shed for many unto remission of
sins.” (St. Matt. 2.6:16-2.8.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, eternal High Priest of the

New Testament, Thou hast purchased re-
demption and salvation for us through Thy

bloody Sacrifice upon the tree of the cross.

In the Holy Mass this Sacrifice is daily re-

newed upon the many altars of the world.

Thy priests are Thy representatives. In Thy

name they stand at the altar. In Thy name

they offer up the adorable Sacrifice to the

heavenly Father. But Thou art both the

High Priest and the Victim.

With all reverence and humility we par-
ticipate in these sacred mysteries, in order

thus to obtain the fruits of Thy redemption.

We will never exclude ourselves from Thy
holy Sacrifice out of sloth or negligence,

lest we be excluded from the graces of Thy
redemption.

In every priest we will see and reverence
Thine own Self.

Grant that also in their earthly life they

may always imitate and walk worthy of
Thee, their Divine Exemplar, and that to-

gether with us they may merit to be found

just and holy. Amen.



All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us

!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

Third Reading

“And I will gather together the remnant

of my flock, out of all the lands into which

I have cast them out: and I will make them

return to their own fields, and they shall

increase and be multiplied. And* I will set

up pastors over them, and they shall feed

them: they shall fear no more, and they

shall not be dismayed: and none shall be

wanting of their number, saith the Lord/
5

CJer - 2-3 :3 >4-)

“Take heed to yourselves, and to the

whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath

placed you bishops, to rule the church of

God, which he hath purchased with his

own blood.” (Acts 2_o:2_8.)

“Obey your prelates, and be subject to

them. For they watch as being to render an

account of your souls; that they may do

this with joy, and not with grief.” (Heb.

i
3

: i 7 .)

Let us pray.

Great God, good Father! We thank Thee
for Thy wise ordinance, whereby Thou hast

placed over us priests to be the shepherds

of our souls. Grant us the grace to listen

to their words, to follow their precepts, to

cooperate with their work for the salvation

of our souls by a truly Christian life, and in

-8—



joy and sorrow to persevere with them on

the way to heaven.

In our bishops and priests we recognize
Thy representatives, given to us by the Holy

Ghost. Grant that we may always be loyal
and devoted to them in childlike love. Fill

them anew each day with Thy Spirit, in

order that they may minister unto Thee in
all fidelity and be found holy on the day

when Thou comest again to judge the living

and the dead. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

Ail ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

—9—



ipuotion

Introductory Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, our Father,

we come before Thee in order to thank Thee

for the great grace of the holy ’priesthood.

At the same time we humbly beg of Thee

to grant Thine assistance and Thine abundant

blessings to those who serve Thee in Thy

sanctuary.

Help us to understand those sacred words

of Thine which we are about to read and

lend a gracious ear to our prayers through

Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Reading

“For every high priest taken from among

men, is ordained for men in the things that

appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts

and sacrifices for sins. Who can have com-
passion on them that are ignorant and that

err: because he himself is also compassed

with infirmity. And therefore he ought, as

for the people, so also for himself, to offer

for sins. Neither doth any man take the

honor to himself, but he that is called by

God, as Aaron was. So Christ also did not

glorify himself, that he might be made a

high priest: but he that said unto him:

Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten
thee. As he saith also in another place:

—io~



Thou art a priest for ever, according to the

order of Melchisedech.” (Heb. 5:1-6.)

“Amen, amen I say to you: He that

entereth not by the door into the sheepfold,

but climbeth up another way, the same is a

thief and a robber. But he that entereth

in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep

hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep

by name, and leadeth them out. And when

he hath let out his own sheep, he goeth

before them: and the sheep follow him,

because they know his voice.” (St. John

10:1-4.)

“For Christ therefore we are ambassadors,

God as it were exhorting by us. For Christ,

we beseech you, be reconciled to God. Him,

who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us,

that we might be made the justice of God in

him.” (1 Cor. 5:10,2.1.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, in Thy priests

Thou hast clothed poor human nature with

wondrous dignity, inasmuch as Thou didst

institute the holy priesthood. But no one

may assume this sacred office unless Thou

Thyself callest him. And Thou hast ad-

monished us to pray for worthy laborers in

Thy vineyard. Behold, we beseech Thee

to raise up worthy priests from the midst

of Thy people. Grant that they may pre-

pare themselves for their sacred ministry by

striving diligently after learning and piety.

Do Thou Thyself send them, lest any one

who is not called take upon himself the

office of shepherd of souls.

11—



Preserve in us a profound veneration for

the priesthood of Thy Church. Grant that

we, overlooking the frailties of the human

person, may come to realize ever more clearly

the surpassing holiness of this sublime

Sacrament and the dignity of this exalted

calling. Let none of Thy parishes be without

priests. Behold, we hunger for the Bread of

Life, which Thy priests administer to us.

We thirst for the fountains of Thy graces,

which Thy priests transmit to us in the

holy Sacraments. With empty hands we

daily stand in Thy presence and thank Thee

for having given us priests to offer up to

Thy heavenly Father gifts and sacrifices for

our sins.

Give us devout priests, give us holy

priests, and grant that together with them

we may always walk the way of Thy com-

mandments. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for

us!

Second Reading

“For I think that God hath set forth us

apostles, the last, as it were men appointed

to death: we are made a spectacle to the

world, and to angels, and to men.

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you

are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you

are strong; you are honorable, but we

without honor.

“Even unto this hour we both hunger

-12—



and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted,

and have no fixed abode.

“And we labor, working with our own

hands; we are reviled, and we bless; we

are persecuted, and we suffer it.

“We are blasphemed, and we entreat; we
are made as the refuse of this world, the

offscouring of all even until now.

“I write not these things to confound you;

but I admonish you as my dearest children.
For if you have ten thousand instructors in

Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ

Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you.”

(x Cor. 4:9-15.)

“But we have this treasure [of the Gospel]

in earthen vessels, that the excellency may

be of the power of God, and not of us.

“In all things we suffer tribulation, but

are not distressed; we are straitened but

are not destitute. We suffer persecution,
but are not forsaken; we are cast down, but

we perish not. Always bearing about in

our body the mortification of Jesus, that the

life also of Jesus may be made manifest in

our bodies. For we who live are always de-

livered unto death for Jesus’ sake; that the

life also of Jesus may be made manifest in

our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in

us, but life in you. But having the same

spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed

for which cause I have spoken; we also

believe, for which cause we speak also.

Knowing that he who raised up Jesus, will

raise us up also with Jesus, and place us with

you. For all things are for your sakes; that

the grace abounding through many, may

—13—



abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of

God.

“For which cause we faint not; but

though our outward man is corrupted, yet

the inward man is renewed day by day*

For that which is at present momentary and

light of our tribulation, worketh for us

above measure exceedingly an eternal weight

of glory. While we look not at the things

which are seen, but at the things which are

not seen. For the things which are seen

are temporal; but the things which are not

seen, are eternal. ” (x Cor. 4:7-18.)

Let us pray.

O God, Lord and Master of all things,
the life of men is in Thy hands. And yet

Thou dost daily endure their wickedness

and their sins.

We beg of Thee to open the eyes of the

world to the shamefulness of the hatred

which it bears towards Thy priests. Let

all men know that Thy Church and her

priests are the greatest benefactors of the

human race.

But to Thy bishops and priests grant the

virtues of fortitude and of prudence in all

the persecutions they endure at the hands

of wicked men, so that they may only tend

to the welfare of Thy Church and the glory

of Thy name.

Send them an angel of comfort in all their

Gethsemane hours. Give them the grace to

persevere on life’s way of the cross and finally

arrive victorious at the end.

All the perishable things of earth and all

the sufferings of mankind are as nothing

-

—

14—



compared with the glory to which Thou
hast called Thy servants. Keep them from
discouragement and dejection; place words

of blessing upon their lips when they are
cursed, words of consolation when they
are calumniated, words of peace when they
are maltreated.

Be Thou with them in all their endeavors
and let them become like unto Thine Only-

begotten Son both in the cross and in glory.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

Third Reading

“At that time Jesus went through the

corn on the sabbath: and his disciples being

hungry, began to pluck the ears, and to eat.

And the Pharisees seeing them, said to him:
Behold thy disciples do that which is not

lawful to do on the sabbath days. But he

said to them: Have you not read what

David did when he was hungry, and they
that were with him: How he entered into
the house of God, and did eat the loaves of

proposition, which it was not lawful for

him to eat, nor for them that were with him,

but for the priests only? O have ye not
read in the law, that on the sabbath days

the priests in the temple break the sabbath,

and are without blame? But I tell you that

there is here a greater than the temple. And
if you knew what this meaneth: I will

15—



have mercy, and not sacrifice: you would

never have condemned the innocent. For

the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath.

And when he had passed from thence, he

came into their synagogues. And behold

there was a man who had a withered hand,
and they asked him, saying: Is it lawful to

heal on the sabbath days? that they might

accuse him. But he said to them: What

man shall there be among you, that hath

one sheep: and if the same fall into a pit on

the sabbath day, will he not take hold on

it and lift it up? How much better is a man
than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do a

good deed on the sabbath days. Then he

saith to the man: Stretch forth thy hand;

and he stretched it forth, and it was restored

to health even as the other. And the

Pharisees going out made a consultation

against him, how they might destroy him.”
(St. Matt. ix:i-i4.)

Let us pray.

Good Savior, Thou hast made charity the

fundamental precept of Christianity, in the

observance of which Thou wouldst recognize

Thy true disciples. Preserve in Thy Church,

we beg of Thee, the spirit of Christian

charity. Grant that Thy priests may perse-

vere faithfully in the service of the poor and

the needy. Inspire the hearts of the faithful

with a spirit of generous almsgiving, in

order that Thy servants may keep up the

works of charity and ever extend their

influence for good.

But be Thou Thyself, O merciful Jesus,
their exceeding great reward in all their

—16—



cares and exertions. Let each one of them

at the end of his priestly labors hear these

words of Thine: “Well done, good and

faithful servant: because thou hast been

faithful over a few things, I will place thee

over many things: enter thou into the joy

of thy Lord.” Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

—17—



Qtyuft Brootimt

Introductory Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, our Father,

we come before Thee in order to thank Thee
for the great grace of the holy priesthood.

At the same time we humbly beg of Thee to
grant Thine assistance and Thine abundant

blessings to those who serve Thee in Thy
sanctuary.

Help us to understand those sacred words

of Thine which we are about to read and
lend a gracious ear to our prayers through

Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Reading

“Blessed are you when they shall revile

you, and persecute you, and speak all that

is evil against you, untruly, for my sake.
Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very

great in heaven. For so they persecuted

the prophets that were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if

the salt lose its savor, wherewith shall it

be salted? It is good for nothing anymore

but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by

men. You are the light of the world. A
city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle and put it

under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that

it may shine to all that are in the house.
So let your light shine before men, that they

—18—



may see your good works, and glorify your

Father who is in heaven.” (St. Matt.

5
:ii-i6.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, Thou didst foretell to Thine

Apostles sufferings and persecutions from

the hands of the wicked men. Grant that

Thy priests may remain steadfast in all the

afflictions Thou permittest to befall them,

in all the persecutions wherewith the world

assails them. When they are reviled and

persecuted, may they be comforted by Thy

sacred, infallible words and by the conscious-

ness of Thy nearness and Thy love.

Grant that they may never become un-

faithful to their sacred obligations. They

are the salt of the earth. Without their

priestly ministrations our spiritual life would

become empty and die out. They are the

light of the world. Grant that they may

ever be our light on the road to heaven.

Do not punish us with a lack of priests.

Give us worthy and enlightened spiritual

guides, who advise us in our difficulties,

comfort us in our sufferings, and bless us

with the fullness of Thy grace during life

and at the hour of our death. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

Second Reading

“Now when it was late that same day,
the first of the week, and the doors were

—19—



shut, where the apostles were gathered

together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came

and stood in the midst, and said to them:

Peace be to you. And when he had said this,

he showed them his hands and his side. The

disciples therefore were glad, when they

saw the Lord. He said therefore to them

again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath

sent me, I also send you. When he had said

this, he breathed on them; and he said to

them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose

sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven

them; and whose sins you shall retain, they

are retained.” (St. John 2.0:13-2.3.)

“Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall

bind upon earth, shall be bound also in

heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose

upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.”

(St. Matt. 18:18.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, Redeemer of the human

race, Thou hast appointed Thy priests to

administer the holy Sacrament of Penance

and hast bestowed upon them the power of

forgiving sins.

We thank Thee for having given to sinful
mankind this truly divine Easter gift of Thy

love. Grant that all the days of our life

we may hold sacred this Sacrament of peace
and receive its benefits with grateful hearts.

Enlighten Thy priests and let them exercise

their exalted office in the confessional as

good shepherds and as Thy representatives.

Enlighten them, that they may know the
state of our souls, give counsel to us in all

our faults. Help them to be patient with

-20—



the weak, merciful with sinners, lovable

with the children! For it is Thou that

speakest through them. It is the grace of

Thy redemption that they administer to us.

Therefore, let us not be kept away from this

holy Sacrament by those human imperfec-

tions wherewith all Thy works are marred

as long as they are in human hands here on

earth, lest in the end we be kept away from

Thy eternal redemption and the everlasting

bliss of heaven. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

Third Reading

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you

bless the children of Israel, and you shall

say to them: The Lord bless thee, and keep

thee. The Lord show his face to thee, and

have mercy on thee. The Lord turn his

countenance to thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall invoke my name upon the
children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

(Num. 6:11-2.7.)

“With all thy soul fear the Lord, and

reverence his priests. With all thy strength

love him that made thee: and forsake not

his ministers. Honor God with all thy soul,

and give honor to the priests, and purify

thyself with thy arms. Give them their

portion, as it is commanded thee, of the first

fruits and of purifications: and for thy

negligences purify thyself with a few. Offer

—21—



to the Lord the gift of thy shoulders, and

the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first

fruits of the holy things/’ (Ecclesiasticus

7:31-35-)

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them who labor among you, and are over
you in the Lord, and admonish you. That

you esteem them more abundantly in charity,

for their work’s sake. Have peace with

them.’’ (1 Thess. 5:12,, 13.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, Thou hast bestowed great

powers upon Thy priests. They are not
only the preachers of Thy word, the dis-
pensers of Thy mysteries; nay, more, through
them Thou dost also communicate to us

Thy divine blessing.

From the cradle to the grave they ac-

company us with their priestly blessing.

They bless our children and our houses, our

labors and our crops, our life and our death.

Reward them abundantly for all the good

they do us in body and soul. Be Thou

Thyself the greatest joy in their labors, the

sweetest consolation in their sufferings, the

strongest support in their adversities; be

their light in darkness and their exceeding

great reward in the hour of death. Do
Thou Thyself extend Thy hands in blessing
over Thy royal priesthood even to the end
of time. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us

!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

-22—



Fourth Reading

The Prayer of Christ, the High Priest,

for His Diciples

“Father, the hour is come, glorify thy

Son, that thy Son may glorify thee. As thou

hast given him power over all flesh, that he

may give eternal life to all whom thou hast
given him. Now this is eternal life: That
they may know thee, the only true God, and

Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have
glorified thee on the earth; I have finished

the work which thou gavest me to do.

And now glorify thou me, O Father, with
thyself, with the glory which I had, before

the world was, with thee. I have manifested

thy name to the men whom thou hast given
me out of the world. Thine they were, and

to me thou gavest them; and they have

kept thy word. Now they have known, that
all things which thou hast given me, are

from thee: because the words which thou

gavest me, I have given to them; and they

have received them, and have known in

very deed that I came out from thee, and

they have believed that thou didst send me.

I pray for them : I pray not for the world, but

for them whom thou hast given me: because
they are thine. And all my things are thine,
and thine are mine; and I am glorified in

them. And now I am not in the world, and

these are in the world, and I come to thee.

Holy Father, keep them in thy'name whom
thou hast given me; that they may be one,

as we also are. While I was with them, I

kept them in thy name. Those whom thou

gavest me have I kept; and none of them is

—23—



lost, but the son of perdition, that the scrip-

ture may be fulfilled. And now I come to
thee; and these things I speak in the world,

that they may have my joy filled in them-
selves. I have given them thy word, and

the world hath hated them, because they

are not of the world; as I also am not of
the world. I pray not that thou shouldst

take them out of the world, but that thou

shouldst keep them from evil. They are not

of the world, as I also am not of the world.
Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth.
As thou has sent me into the world, I also
have sent them into the world. And for
them do I sanctify myself, that they also

may be sanctified in truth. And not for them
only do I pray, but for them also who
through their word shall believe in me.
That they all may be one, as thou, Father,
in me, and I in thee; that they also may be
one in us; that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me. And the glory which
thou hast given me, I have given to them;

that they may be one, as we also are one:
I in them, and thou in me; that they may
be made perfect in one: and the world may
know that thou hast sent me, and hast
loved them, as thou hast also loved me.

Father, I will that where I am, they also
whom thou hast given me may be with me;
that they may see my glory which thou hast
given me, because thou hast loved me before
the creation of the world. Just Father, the

world hath not known thee; but I have
known thee: and these have known that
thou hast sent me. And I have made known
thy name to them, and will make it known;

—21—



that the love wherewith thou hast loved me,

may be in them, and I in them/' (St. John

17:1-16.)

Let us pray.

Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, on the night

before Thou didst die for the salvation of

the world Thou didst pray so fervently to

Thy heavenly Father for Thine Apostles and

for all priests! Behold, we unite our poor

supplications with Thy sublime prayers for

Thy priests and ours. Bless their labors in

Thy vineyard. Let them never grow weary

in their endeavors for souls. Fill their

hearts with joy in their holy vocation.

Preserve them from the corruption of the

world and the deceits of the devil. If they

become weak, may Thy grace be their

strong support; if sickness and want over-

take them, be Thou unto them comfort and

healing. Let them always find a secure

abode in Thy Sacred Heart. Grant that they

with us and we with them may at last

happily arrive at our eternal home. Amen.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray

for us!

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray

for us!

All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us!

—25—



iCiiatty for% Priests
(Only for private use?)

God the Father,

Son,

and Holy Ghost,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Jesus, our High Priest,

Sacrifice,

and Teacher,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Bless our Holy Father,

our bishops,

and priests,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Give them the strength of Thy grace,

the love of Thy Heart,

and the spirit of sacrifice of Thine own

divine life,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Make them firm in faith,

holy in conduct,

and faithful in Thy service,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Fill them with the zeal of the Apostles,

with the courage of the martyrs,

with the spirit of the confessors,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

—26—



Grant that they may convert the sinners,

correct the erring,

teach the ignorant,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Strengthen them with joy in their labors,

with patience in their sufferings,

with endurance in their struggles,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Preserve them in love for the little ones,

in zeal for the education of youth,

in loyalty to people and country,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Bless their words in the pulpit,

their instructions in school,

their admonitions in the confessional and at

the sickbed,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Preserve them from the temptations of the

wicked enemy,

from the hostile plots of unscrupulous men,

from all occasions of sin,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Make us one with them in faith,

loyal in divine service,

and holy in life,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Give us holy bishops,

holy priests,

holy missionaries,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

—27—



Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world,

have mercy on us!

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world,

have mercy on us!

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of
the world,

have mercy on us!

Let us pray.

Jesus Christ, Son of God, Thou hast said:

The harvest is indeed great, but the laborers

are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the

harvest that He send laborers into His vine-

yard.

Behold, we beg of Thee to increase the

number of holy priests who walk in Thy
footsteps and labor in Thy vineyard with

apostolic zeal.

Give them Thy light and Thy grace, that

they may convert unbelievers and heretics,

strengthen the weak, and spread Thy king-

dom ever more and more upon earth. Grant

that in unshakable fidelity we may stand

firmly by Thy representative, may listen to

his words, and support the labors of the

shepherds of our souls by a devout and

Christian life.

Let our prayers be acceptable to Thee and

hear our petitions. Who livest and reignest
forever and ever. Amen.

—28—



prayers of tty? (Etyurrty

For the Holy Father

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the
faithful, look propitiously upon Thy servant

N., whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint
pastor over Thy Church: grant, we beseech

Thee, that both by word and example he

may edify those over whom he is placed,
and, together with the flock committed to

his care, may attain unto life everlasting.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy

upon Thy servant N., our Sovereign Pontiff,

and direct him, according to Thy clemency,

into the way of everlasting salvation; that

by Thy grace he may desire those things

that are pleasing to Thee, and perform them

with all his strength. Through Christ our

Lord. Amen.

Good Friday Supplication

Let us pray, also, for our most blessed

Pope N., that our Lord God, Who hath

chosen him in the order of the episcopacy,

may preserve him safe and unharmed to

His holy Church, to rule God’s holy people.

Almighty, eternal God, in Whose judg-

ment all things are founded, look propiti-

ously upon our prayers and, of Thy loving

kindness, preserve unto us our chosen bishop,

that the Christian people, who are governed



by Thine authority, may, under so great a

pontiff, be increased in the merits of their

belief. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Indulgenced Prayer for the Pope

V. Let us pray for our Pontiff N. The

Lord preserve him and give him life, and

make him blessed upon earth, and deliver

him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

(Indulgence of three years, each time.

Plenary, once a month under the usual

conditions, if said every day for a month.)

For the Bishop

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the
faithful, look propitiously upon Thy servant

N., whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint
pastor of the diocese: grant, we beseech
Thee, that both by word and example he

may edify those over whom he is placed,
and, together with the flock committed to

his care, may attain unto life everlasting
through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For the Clergy

Almighty, everlasting God, Who alone
performest what is great and wonderful,

pour forth upon Thy servants and upon the
congregations entrusted to them the spirit

of Thy strengthening grace, and, that they
may ever be truly pleasing to Thee, send
down upon them the everabiding dew of
Thy blessing. Amen.

-30—



Good Friday Supplication for

Clergy and People

Let us pray, also, for all bishops, priests,

deacons, subdeacons, acolytes, exorcists,

lectors, ostiaries, confessors, virgins, widows,

and for all the holy people of God.

Almighty, eternal God, by Whose Spirit

the whole body of the Church is ruled,

hearken unto us while we make our suppli-

cations for all its orders, that, by the gift of

Thy grace, Thou mayest be faithfully served

by all degrees. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For Sick Priests

O almighty and everlasting God, the
eternal salvation of them that believe, hear

our prayers for Thy sick servants for whom

we implore Thy mercy, that with restored

health they may render Thee thanks in Thy

Church.

O God, Thou at Whose will the moments
of our life run on, receive the prayers and

sacrifices of Thy servants; for whom we
beseech Thy mercy in their sickness, that, as

we have feared for their peril, we may re-

joice for their safety.

O God, the sole defense of human infirmity,
show forth Thy power upon Thy sick

servants, that, being assisted by the help of

Thy mercy, they may be found worthy to

be brought back in health to Thy holy

Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Deceased Bishop

O God, Who in the apostolic priesthood

—31—



didst cause Thy servant N. to be honored

with the pontifical dignity, grant, we be-
seech Thee, that he may be joined forever

more to the fellowship of Thine apostles.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
* * *

May Thy clemency, which we implore, O
Lord, benefit the soul of Thy servant, the

pontiff N., that, by Thy mercy, he may
attain to everlasting fellowship with Him
in Whom he hoped and believed. Through
Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Deceased Priest

O God, Who didst will that Thy servant
N. should flourish with the sacerdotal

dignity in the apostolic priesthood, grant,

we beseech Thee, that he may be joined
forever to the fellowship of Thine apostles.

Through our LordJesus Christ, Thy Son, Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of

the Holy Ghost world without end. Amen.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God,
that, by Thy command, the soul of Thy
servant N., Thy priest, may be a sharer of
everlasting beatitude in the company of the

just. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in
the unity of the Holy Ghost world without

end. Amen.

INDULGENCED PRAYERS

For the Sanctification of the Clergy

O Jesus, eternal Pastor of souls, hear our
prayer on behalf of our priests and hear in

-32—



it Thy own eternal desire. Are not priests

the object of Thy most tender and exquisite

care, that profound love in which are summed

up all Thy affections for souls? Let us con-

fess our unworthiness to have good priests.

But Thy mercy is infinitely greater than our

folly and wickedness.

O Jesus, grant that only those ascend to

Thy priesthood who are called by Thee;

enlighten pastors in their choice, inspire

directors with a spirit of 'counsel, and

teachers in the cultivation of vocations.

Give us priests who are angels of purity,

models of humility, seraphs of holy love,

heroes of self-sacrifice, apostles of Thy

glory, and saviors and sanctifiers of souls.

Have pity on the ignorant who should be

enlightened, on the sons of toil who call

for someone to save them from error and

Tedeem them in Thy name, on all the children

and youths who cry for such as may save

them and bring them to Thee, on so many

who suffer and have need of a heart which

will find them consolation in Thine. What

a number of souls would arrive at perfection

through the ministry of holy priests! Then,

O Jesus, have compassion again on the

crowds who hunger and thirst. Grant that

Thy priesthood may bring to Thee fainting

humanity, and let the earth be once again

renewed, the Church exalted, and the reign

of Thy Heart established in peace.

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of the Eternal

Priest, who hadst for thy first son of adoption

St. John, the beloved priest of Jesus,
who

didst preside in the cenacle, Mistress and

Queen of the Apostles; deign to utter with

—33—



thy sacred lips this our humble prayer, do

thou make its accents to penetrate to the

Heart of thy divine Son, and, all-powerful

in thy supplication, obtain for the Church

of thy Son Jesus a perennial renewal of

Pentecost. Amen.

(To the faithful who piously recite any

prayer approved by ecclesiastical authority,

for priestly and religious vocations, is granted

an indulgence of seven years each time and

a plenary indulgence under the usual con-

ditions if the prayer has been said daily for

a whole month. See No. 562. of Preces et Pia

Opera Indulgentits Ditata , issued by the S.

Paenitendaria Apostolica, Dec. 31, 1937.)

Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, eternal Pontiff, divine sacrificial
Priest, Who by an incomparable impulse

of love for men, Thy brethren, didst allow

the Christian priesthood to issue from Thy

Sacred Heart, continue to pour out upon

Thy priests the life-giving streams of infinite

love.

Live in them, transform them into Thyself;

render them by Thy grace the instruments of

Thy mercy; act in them and through them,

and after they have been entirely clothed

in Thy person by faithfully imitating Thy

adorable virtues let them work, in Thy

name and by the power of Thy spirit, the

works which Thou hast accomplished for

the salvation of mankind.

Divine Redeemer of souls, see how great

is the number of those who still sleep in

the darkness of error; count the number of

34—



those unbelieving sheep who wander along

by the precipices; think of the crowd of

poor, starving, ignorant and feeble souls

who are lamenting in their state of neglect.

Do Thou come again amongst us through

Thy priests. Live again in very truth in

them, make them Thy agents, and walk

again through the world, teaching, pardon-

ing, consoling, sacrificing, renewing the

bonds of love between the Heart of God and

the heart of man. Amen.

(300 days, once a day. Plenary, once a

month under the usual conditions, if the

prayer has been recited every day for a

month. Pius X, March 3, 1905; Pius XI,

May 17, 1917.)

To the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Thine excessive
love for men, in order to redeem souls and

save them for heaven, Thou didst shed Thy

Precious Blood. With all the fervor of our

hearts we beg of Thee to accompany with

Thy blessing and Thy grace the labors of

priests for the salvation of souls. Grant

that with all zeal they may preach Thy

sacred doctrine, that they may move to

repentance the hearts of sinners, that they

may strengthen the good in virtue. Keep

far from our congregation the assaults of

the evil one; ward off all scandal and

seduction, enmities and envy, uncharitable-

ness and bad example. Let Thy love and

Thy grace abide in all hearts, that we may

strive with great fervor to reach our eternal

goal, to avoid sin, to practice virtue, and

—35—



to encourage each other by a devout life,

so that in the everlasting happiness of heaven

above we may rejoice in union with Thee,

Amen.

O Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners,
save the dying, deliver the holy souls in

purgatory.” (Indulgence of 300 days, each

time. Pius X, July 13, 1906.)

To the Divine Savior

Divine Savior, Thou Friend of priests,

send daily to all priests the seven gifts of

Thy Holy Spirit, that they may become all

things to all men both in life and in death.

Give them patience with the little ones,

compassion on the sick, humility with the

poor, courage to withstand the enemies of

Thy holy Church. Make them tireless in
teaching, patient and kind in the con-

fessional, generous in the administration of

Holy Communion. Let them appear terrible

to hell and the powers of evil and to all

who side therewith, and let them be as
messengers of peace to all men of good will.

Whithersoever they go, may Thy blessing
accompany them. Wheresoever they abide,

may Thy peace enter in. Whomsoever they
bless, may he also be blessed by Thee, O
God. Make them apostles, make them
saints. Amen.

‘‘Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, model of the

priestly heart, have mercy on us.” (In-

dulgence of 300 days, each time. Pius X,

Sept. 10, 1907.)

—36—



VARIOUS PRAYERS

Offering to be Made on Priest’s Saturday

Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Who hast en-
trusted the whole work of Thy redemption,

the welfare and salvation of the world, to

priests as Thy representatives, through the

hands of Thy most holy Mother and for the

sanctification of Thy priests and candidates

for the priesthood I offer Thee this present

day wholly and entirely, with all its prayers,

works, sacrifices, joys, and sorrows.

Give us truly holy priests who, inflamed

with the fire of Thy divine love, seek nothing

but Thy greater glory and the salvation of

our souls.

And thou, Mary, good Mother of priests,

protect all priests in the dangers of their

holy vocation and, with the loving hand of

a Mother, also lead back to the Good

Shepherd those poor priests who have be-

come unfaithful to their exalted vocation

and have gone astray. Amen.

Prayer for My Pastor and for

All Priests

Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Who hast en-

trusted the weal and woe of Thy Holy Church

to priests, with all the fervor of my heart I

recommend to Thee the wants of my pastor

and of all priests. Enrich them more and

more with true priestly sanctity ! Give them

generous, all-embracing, apostolic hearts full

of love for Thee and for all Thy souls, sd

that they, being themselves sanctified in

Thee, may sanctify us who are confided to

—37—



their care and may lead us safely to heaven.
Bestow upon them in rich abundance all

Thy priestly graces! Let them ever give us
a glowing example of love and fidelity

towards Holy Mother Church, towards the

Pope and bishops, and grant that by word

and example they may shine as models of
every virtue.

Most loving Jesus, bless all their priestly

labors and sacrifices! Bless all their prayers

and words at the altar and in the con-

fessional, in the pulpit, and in school, in

confraternities and at the bedside of the

sick! Protect and preserve them in all

dangers from within and from without!

Divine Savior, give to Thy Church priests
who abound in true holiness! Call many
good boys and young men to the priestly
state! Aid and sanctify all those who are
to become Thy priests!—And to the souls
of departed priests grant everlasting rest!

But to me give a true spirit of faith and
humble obedience, in order that in my
pastor I may ever behold the representative
of God and willingly follow all his teachings

!

Amen.

For My Sick Pastor

Divine Savior Jesus Christ, during Thine

earthly sojourn Thou didst bring comfort
and healing to so many who were sick. Be-
hold, Thy friend whom Thou lovest is sick.
I beg of Thee to comfort and bring relief to
my sick pastor. Send him an angel to
strengthen him. Restore him to health, if
it be Thy holy will.

For him I offer to Thee all the prayers and

-38—



good works of this day, and I beseech Thee

to bear and answer my prayer. Amen.

Prayer for All the Candidates for the

Priesthood Throughout the World

Divine Savior and eternal High Priest

Jesus Christ, it is Thou Who choosest with

especial love those who are to be Thy priests.

With all the fervor of my heart I recom-

mend to Thee all the candidates for the

priesthood throughout the world. Do

Thou already now in their years of study

fill their hearts with true priestly sentiments.

Give them a lively and joyous faith, a great

spirit of prayer, burning love for Thee and

for Thy holy Church, ardent zeal for the

salvation of souls, a tender devotion to the

Blessed Sacrament and to Thine immaculate

Mother. Also enlighten and bless all their

educators and teachers in their difficult and

responsible obligations.

O Mary, thou good Mother of priests,
protect all candidates for the priesthood.

Shield them in all those interior and exterior

dangers that threaten their holy vocation

during their years of study.

Grant them good health always, progress

in their studies, and also the necessary

financial means, so that not one of them

may be excluded from the priesthood be-

cause of poverty. But, above all, be always

at their side in all the temptations that

assail youth, so that they may preserve

untarnished their purity of heart and one

day ascend the altar as holy priests of spotless

purity. But especially keep away from the

—39—



priesthood those who, uncalled and un-
worthy, would force themselves into the
sanctuary of the Most High.

All ye holy Apostles, all ye holy bishops

and priests, all ye holy patrons of youth,

pray for all aspirants to the priesthood,

shield them and be ever their strong sup-
port, in order that they may be true apostles,
holy mediators between God and men, and
safe guides to many immortal souls along
the road to heaven. Amen.

For Good Priests

O Jesus, Thou desirest that we pray the
Lord of the harvest that He send zealous
laborers into His harvest. Deign to raise
up in Thy Church, and especially in this
diocese, numerous and holy priests who,
taking Thy Divine Heart as their Model,
will in the exercise of their holy priesthood

promote the glory of Thy heavenly Father
and the salvation of those souls whom Thou
hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Amen.

O Mary, thou Mother of God and Mother
of the first and eternal Priest of the Most
High, increase the number of those who
participate in His divine priesthood and in
His power and thus continue the holy mission
of thy divine Son in the whole world and
especially in our own country. O thou
dearest Mother of all men, give us priests,
give us holy priests. Amen.

Prayer of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus,
the “Little Flower”

O Jesus, eternal High Priest, keep- this
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Thy priest under the protection of Thy

Sacred Heart, where no one can harm him.

Keep unstained his anointed hands, which

daily touch Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure

his lips, reddened by Thy Precious Blood.

Keep spotless and unearthly his heart,

sealed with the sublime mark of Thy glori-

ous priesthood. Let him grow in love and

fidelity to Thee and preserve him from the

contamination of the world. Together with

the power of changing bread and wine, give

him also the power of changing hearts.

Bless his work with abundant fruit and

finally grant him the crown of everlasting

life. Amen.

Prayer for Priests Who Have Become

Unfaithful to Their Vocation

Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Thou art the

Good Shepherd Who gives His life for His

sheep. Oh, be in a very special way the

Good Shepherd of those poor lost priests

who were also appointed by Thee to be

leaders of Thy people but who have broken

the oath of their holy ordination and have

become unfaithful to their exalted calling.

Bestow upon these poorest of the poor the

very fullness of that pastoral solicitude with

which Thou dost so faithfully seek the

sheep that are lost! Touch their hearts with

that irresistible ray of grace which emanates

from Thine all-merciful love! Enlighten their

minds and strengthen their wills, that they

may turn away from all sin and error and

come back to Thy holy altar and to Thy

people.

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O most compassionate Savior! Remember
that Thou didst once redeem the souls of

Thine erring priests with Thy Precious Blood

and in infinite preferential love didst impress

upon them the indelible character of the

priesthood. Put wholly to shame those

miserable helpers of Satan who lay snares
for the virtue of priests and endanger the

holy ideal of the priesthood. Most graci-

ously accept our prayers and sacrifices for

poor priests who have gone astray and hear
our earnest petition. Amen.

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