Pope Benedict XVI has declared a "Year for Priests" beginning with
the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009. The year will
conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father
on June 19, 2010.
With the announcement of this “Year for Priests”, the Pope has declared St.
John Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary
of the death of the Curé d'Ars" (from the USCCB). The Catholic News Service reports: "[Pope Benedict] said he hoped priests
would use the year and its special events to deepen their commitment to their
own renewal 'for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the
Gospel in today's world.'"
Pictured at right is the official icon commissioned by the USCCB. Log on
to the USCCB’s website at www.usccb.org and
go to the “Year for Priests” icon to download a beautiful holy card for the
occasion from the Knights of Columbus.
We are blessed in the Archdiocese of Atlanta with over 250 priests including
eight newly-ordained priests in 2009. Please join the whole Church in praying
for all of our dedicated priests!
Please join us in celebrating Priest Sunday on October 25th, 2009.
Stay tuned for more information on the “Year for Priests.”
Praying For Priests
Spiritual Bouquet Postcards: Sample postcards that can be
printed out and used by individuals or parishes. The postcard may be
sent to a priest as a sign of a spiritual bouquet of prayers offered on
his behalf.
www.usccb.org
the USA Council of Serra International.
Spiritual Bouquet Postcards
Video Tributes to Our Priests