Lord Jesus...!
You have chosen Your priests among us
And have sent them to proclaim Your Word
And to act in Your Name.
For such a great gift to Your Church,
We praise You and we thank You!
We ask that you fill them with the fire of Your love,
That their ministry may reveal Your presence in the Church.
Since they are earthen vessels,
We pray that your power may work in their weakness!
In their afflictions do not let them be crushed;
In their doubts, do not let them despair;
In temptation, do not let them be destroyed!
Inspire them through prayer to live each day
The mystery of your death and Resurrection.
In times of weakness, send them Your Spirit
And help them to praise Your Heavenly Father
And to pray for poor sinners.
With the same Holy Spirit place your word on their lips
And your love in their hearts,
That they may bring the Good News to the poor
And revive the broken-hearted.
May the gift of Mary, Your beloved Mother,
To the disciple whom you loved,
Be your gift to every priest!
Grant that she, who formed You in Your human image,
May form each priest in Your divine image,
Through the power of Your Spirit,
To the glory of God the Father!
Amen.
