'The priest is in Christ, for Christ and with Christ at the service of humankind' Pope Benedict XVI
The Year of the Priest which was declared open on Friday, 19th June 2009 on the Solemnity of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus, by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI a day traditionally devoted to prayer for the sanctification of the clergy will come to an end on 19th June, 2010.
The Year of the Priest was inaugurated to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the death of that humble champion of priests St. John Mary Vianney.
This Year was meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world. "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, the saintly Curé of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself.
We remembered all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. This was the year when we all paid tribute to their apostolic labors, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity and praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even amid difficulties and incomprehension, remained faithful to their vocation as “friends of Christ”, whom he has called by name, chosen and sent.
We in our parish remembered our very own priests who are serving us currently. As we remember them for their zealous service, we recall to mind all those priests who served our parish over the past years.
And now as we culminate this Year of Priest in our parish on Friday, 18th June, we encourage all our parishioners to make time and attend in large numbers for the thanksgiving concelebrated solemn Mass in the evening followed by a felicitation program to honor our priests.
Come and be a part of our priestly family.
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