When people seek to undermine religion, their first target is often the priest. The reason is simple – when there is no priest, there is no sacrifice, and when there is no sacrifice, there is no religion. Priests are the linchpin that connects the Divine with the human, the sacred with the worldly. Their role is indispensable, and their spiritual well-being is of paramount importance.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Holy Orders as the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to His apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. To step into Holy Orders is to step into a mystery far greater than oneself, requiring fortitude and love. Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:7, "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Love is the science of all the faithful, the virtue of all mankind, the means through which we approach God.
Saint Peter's words, "You shall be holy, for I am holy," serve as a reminder that intercession for priests is closely linked to the universal call to holiness. The holiness of priests elevates the entire Church, while worldly priests hinder its growth. It's a mutual relationship, where holy Christians inspire holy priests, and vice versa.
In times when the Church is called to be a "house of prayer," it is essential that we, as believers, uphold this calling and maintain deep communion with God. Only then can we be the lights in the darkness, the salt of the earth, and warriors for Christ.
In the spirit of shared prayer and solidarity, let us unite in seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her perpetual Magnificat and her role as the spiritual mother of priests offer us a sublime source of inspiration. Just as Mary magnified the Lord, proclaimed His deeds, remembered His works, and rejoiced in being chosen to serve, we too can embrace her motherly love in our prayers for priests.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, another icon of Mary's motherhood, exemplifies sublime and merciful maternal love. Her words to St. Juan Diego resonate with the assurance of protection and the source of joy found in the shelter of her mantle.
To be effective intercessors, we must be thoroughly Marian in character and thought. Like Mary, we must learn how to pray, guided by the Holy Spirit. In our prayers for priests, we humbly turn to the one who bore the Eternal High Priest in her womb, seeking her guidance and inspiration.
In a world where the role of priests is a neon sign of contradiction, let us remember the urgency of prayer for these spiritual shepherds. By praying for them, we strengthen the watchmen, we contribute to the sanctification of the Church, and we ensure that the sacrifice of Christ continues to reach the faithful. Our shared mission is a testament to the power of collective prayer, where the faithful worldwide unite for the salvation of souls and the fortitude of our priests.
"Another icon of Mary’s motherhood that is greatly venerated, especially in the Americas, is Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her iconic words to St. Juan Diego reflect a sublime and merciful maternal love: Hear and understand, my smallest and dearest son, that what is alarming and afflicting you is nothing. Do not let your countenance or your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this illness or any other illness or suffering. Am I, your Mother, not here? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not the source of your joy? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? What more do you need?" Page 38
"The greatest of all maternal loves is that of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus! Mary’s maternal love always magnifies the Lord, always proclaims His marvelous deeds, always remembers what God has done and always rejoices in being chosen to serve. I believe Mary’s perpetual Magnificat is a hymn she desires to inscribe on the heart of every believer so that the Church may form one united chorus of praise and gratitude, affirming, 'He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation'.” Page 37
Praying for Priests: An Urgent Call for the Salvation of Souls by Beckman, Kathleen
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