Index
Adoration and Reparation for Priests (On Thursdays)
Advent Prayer for Priests
Daily Prayer for Our Seminarians
Divine Mercy Chaplet for Priests
For Priests: Prayer by Pope Benedict XVI
Holy Hour Offering for Priests
Litany of Prayers for Priests
Lord, Grant Your Priests
Mary, Mystical Rose
Mary, Queen of the Clergy
Morning Offering for Priests
Offering of the Precious Blood for Priests
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for the Increase of Priestly and Religious Vocations
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations
Prayer for All Priests
Prayer for Consecrated Life
Prayer for Holy Priests by St. Charles Borromeo
Prayer for Parish Priests to St. John Vianney
Prayer for Priests
Prayer for Priests and Religious
Prayer for Priests and Those Destined for the Priesthood
Prayer for Priests and Vocations by St. Therese
Prayer for Priests in the Words of St. Faustina
Prayer for the Church
Prayer for Vocations
Prayer from St. Teresa of Calcutta
Prayer of Offering for Seminarians
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise for Priests
Prayer to Offer Holy Communion for Priests
Prayer to St. Joseph for Priests
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for Priests
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother Rosary Prayer for Priests
To the Mother of All Priests
Vocation Prayer
Vocation Prayer for Children and Parents
Advent Prayer for Priests
Daily Prayer for Our Seminarians
Divine Mercy Chaplet for Priests
For Priests: Prayer by Pope Benedict XVI
Holy Hour Offering for Priests
Litany of Prayers for Priests
Lord, Grant Your Priests
Mary, Mystical Rose
Mary, Queen of the Clergy
Morning Offering for Priests
Offering of the Precious Blood for Priests
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for the Increase of Priestly and Religious Vocations
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations
Prayer for All Priests
Prayer for Consecrated Life
Prayer for Holy Priests by St. Charles Borromeo
Prayer for Parish Priests to St. John Vianney
Prayer for Priests
Prayer for Priests and Religious
Prayer for Priests and Those Destined for the Priesthood
Prayer for Priests and Vocations by St. Therese
Prayer for Priests in the Words of St. Faustina
Prayer for the Church
Prayer for Vocations
Prayer from St. Teresa of Calcutta
Prayer of Offering for Seminarians
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise for Priests
Prayer to Offer Holy Communion for Priests
Prayer to St. Joseph for Priests
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for Priests
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother Rosary Prayer for Priests
To the Mother of All Priests
Vocation Prayer
Vocation Prayer for Children and Parents
Prayer from St. Teresa of Calcutta
Mary, Mother of Jesus, throw your mantle of purity over our priests. Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart. Be a Mother to them, especially in times of discouragement and loneliness. Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus. Like Jesus, they, too, are your sons, so keep their hearts pure and virginal. Keep their minds filled with Jesus, and put Jesus always on their lips, so that he is the one they offer to sinner and to all they meet.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy. Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted. Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus. Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart. Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate, so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ.
Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus. Amen.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, be their Mother, loving them and bringing them joy. Take special care of sick and dying priests, and the ones most tempted. Remember how they spent their youth and old age, their entire lives serving and giving all to Jesus. Mary, bless them and keep a special place for them in your heart. Give them a piece of your heart, so beautiful and pure and immaculate, so full of love and humility, so that they, too, can grow in the likeness of Christ.
Dear Mary, make them humble like you, and holy like Jesus. Amen.
Lord, Grant Your Priests
Lord, grant your priests a pure heart, able to love only You; a pure heart, that knows no evil, but is able to distinguish it, to fight against it and to flee it; a pure heart, like that of a child, inspired and longing for God. Lord, grant your servants a big heart, open to Your thoughts and closed for any malicious ambition, and for any regrettable human competition. Lord, grant your priests a strong heart, prepared to cope with every difficulty,
every temptation, every weakness, every boredom, every fatigue. A heart, Lord, that is truly capable to love, to understand, to welcome, to serve, to sacrifice, blessed with a heart that palpitates for Your feelings and thoughts. Because the world needs hearts who save and love souls
like Christ does. Amen.
every temptation, every weakness, every boredom, every fatigue. A heart, Lord, that is truly capable to love, to understand, to welcome, to serve, to sacrifice, blessed with a heart that palpitates for Your feelings and thoughts. Because the world needs hearts who save and love souls
like Christ does. Amen.
To the Mother of All Priests
Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, under the Cross you became the mother of the apostles, and so also, the mother of all priests. Your house is the Church, your table, the altar; your servants are the angels, and your sons, the priests, change bread and wine, as of old the Lord said; "Take eat…this is My Body…Drink…This is My Blood!" He had not only earthly bread in mind, when He taught us the "Our Father"; He wishes himself to be out daily bread! Ever faithful Mother, you wish your house, the Church, to be reserved and well ordered. Pray for a constant supply of priests, so that the daily bread of eternal life may always be supplied! Send your angels into families, so that joy in the service of God may be cultivated, so that the service of the King may become their vocation. And send again your angels, so that holy priests may lead these young men to the altar. What is needed is a holy crusade for God, an effort to preserve the purity of our holy Faith, and the good shepherd is more than ever necessary, now the wolf has broken into the fold. Intercede also, Mother of all priests, for all those priests in peril or in error, who no longer see their way and their goal, and choose to follow their own opinions. No mother deserts her child when it is in danger. Send then your holy angels with warnings so urgent that they cannot be ignored! Mary, Our Lord’s Mother, hold out as ransom-money, to your divine Son, your hands, your heart and your tears; He will accept them all, and grant His priests, the true light, due strength and the joy they have lost awhile. Amen.
Divine Mercy Chaplet for Priests
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed on the rosary beads.
The Sign of the Cross
Opening Prayers (optional)
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! (three times, Diary 84).
Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Apostle’s Creed
First Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests and religious. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free and holy. Keep them in the embrace of Your merciful love and truth.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Second Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests and religious who are struggling with themselves and others. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free and holy. Renew them in their identity, mission and relationship.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Third Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of cardinals and bishops, the clergy in leadership of the Church, who have weighty responsibility. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. May the Sanctifier grant them wisdom and courage.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Fourth Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of clergy who have grown lukewarm, discouraged, or duplicitous. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. May the power of the Cross transfigure and raise them up.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Fifth Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests who wholeheartedly strive to fulfill their vocation to radiate the love of the heart of Jesus. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. Keep them safe from the enemies of the priesthood and the Church.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Doxology
After 5 decades, the concluding doxology (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Closing Prayer (optional)
Eternal Father, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. (950)
--Foundation of Prayer for Priests (www.foundationforpriests.org)
The Sign of the Cross
Opening Prayers (optional)
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! (three times, Diary 84).
Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Apostle’s Creed
First Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests and religious. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free and holy. Keep them in the embrace of Your merciful love and truth.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Second Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests and religious who are struggling with themselves and others. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free and holy. Renew them in their identity, mission and relationship.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Third Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of cardinals and bishops, the clergy in leadership of the Church, who have weighty responsibility. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. May the Sanctifier grant them wisdom and courage.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Fourth Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of clergy who have grown lukewarm, discouraged, or duplicitous. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. May the power of the Cross transfigure and raise them up.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Fifth Decade:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
Eternal Father, we bring to You the souls of priests who wholeheartedly strive to fulfill their vocation to radiate the love of the heart of Jesus. Immerse them in Your unfathomable mercy that they will be clean, healed, free, and holy. Keep them safe from the enemies of the priesthood and the Church.
For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (ten times)
Doxology
After 5 decades, the concluding doxology (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Closing Prayer (optional)
Eternal Father, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. (950)
--Foundation of Prayer for Priests (www.foundationforpriests.org)
Prayer for All Priests
Eternal Father, I lift up to You all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness and holiness of Your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Priests and Vocations by St. Therese
O Holy Father, may the torrents of love flowing from the sacred wounds of Thy Divine Son bring forth priests like unto the beloved disciple John who stood at the foot of the Cross; priests who as a pledge of Thine own most tender love will lovingly give Thy Divine Son to the souls of men. May Thy priests be faithful guardians of Thy Church, as John was of Mary, whom he received into his house. Taught by this loving Mother who suffered so much on Calvary, may they display a mother’s care and thoughtfulness towards Thy children. May they teach souls to enter into close union with Thee through Mary who, as the Gate of Heaven, is specially the guardian of the treasures of Thy Divine Heart. Give us priests who are on fire, and who are true children of Mary, priests who will give Jesus to souls with the same tenderness and care with which Mary carried the Little Child of Bethlehem. Mother of sorrows and of love, out of compassion for Thy beloved Son, open in our hearts deep wells of love, so that we may console Him and give Him a generation of priests formed in thy school and having all the tender thoughtfulness of thine own spotless love. O MY GOD, help those priests who are faithful to remain faithful, to those who are falling, stretch forth YOUR Divine Hand that they may grasp it as their support. And for those poor unfortunate souls who have fallen, lift them up in the great ocean of YOUR Mercy, that being engulfed therein, they may receive the grace to return to YOUR Great Loving Heart. Amen.
Holy Hour Offering for Priests
My God, poor, weak and miserable as I am, I have come to spend this hour alone with You, in reparation for the priests who have forgotten that they are Your chosen souls. Especially, dear God, I offer this holy hour for the priests who at this moment need it the most. In praying for consecrated souls, help me to remember my own utter weakness, misery and nothingness. Were it not for Your grace, I would be far worse than those for whom I pray.
Mary, Mystical Rose
Mary, Mystical Rose, Mother of the Church, help the Holy Father and all bishops, all priests and all religious. Intercede for the sorely-pressed Church of our times. Pray for our threatened world, into which Satan's hot breath is blowing. Draw us all to your immaculate motherly heart. You are the Mother of Pity. Amen.
--By A. M. Weigl, from Maria, Rosa Mystica (Published by Druckeri Burger in 1984)
--By A. M. Weigl, from Maria, Rosa Mystica (Published by Druckeri Burger in 1984)
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eternal High Priest, let Your love flow into the hearts of your priests and transform them into living images of You. By Your grace, make them true apostles of Your Sacred Heart. I pray for the fulfillment of the promise You made to St. Margaret Mary: "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts". May Your kingdom come to the hearts of all through the ministry of holy priests! Amen.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy
Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Church and Queen of Priests, support these chosen sons of the Lord, and Your own special sons, with Your motherly presence, protection and intercession. Obtain for them from the great High Priest, Christ the Lord, the fullness of His mercy and grace that they may faithfully live out their calling all the days of their lives. Pray, too, that we – who depend on Priests continuously and so greatly – may never fail to keep them in our prayers and in our sacrifices. Our Lady, Queen of Priests, pray for them. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Priests
O Illustrious Patriarch, St. Joseph, who carried the Infant Jesus in your blessed arms and who, during the space of thirty years, lived in the most intimate familiarity with Him, take under your powerful protection those whom He has clothed with His authority and honored with the dignity of His priesthood, whom He has charged to continue His mission to preach His Gospel, and to dispense everywhere His graces and blessings.
Sustain them in their fatigues and labors; console them in their pains; fortify them in their combats; but above all, keep far from them all the evils of sin.
Obtain for them the humility of St. John the Baptist, the faith of St. Peter, the zeal and charity of St. Paul, the purity of St. John and the spirit of prayer and recollection of which You, my dear Saint, are the model, so that, after having been on earth, the faithful dispensers of the Mysteries of your foster Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, they may in Heaven receive the recompense promised to pastors according to the Heart of God. Amen.
—From the booklet ‘Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph’ published by Tan Publishers
Sustain them in their fatigues and labors; console them in their pains; fortify them in their combats; but above all, keep far from them all the evils of sin.
Obtain for them the humility of St. John the Baptist, the faith of St. Peter, the zeal and charity of St. Paul, the purity of St. John and the spirit of prayer and recollection of which You, my dear Saint, are the model, so that, after having been on earth, the faithful dispensers of the Mysteries of your foster Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, they may in Heaven receive the recompense promised to pastors according to the Heart of God. Amen.
—From the booklet ‘Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph’ published by Tan Publishers
Vocation Prayer for Children and Parents
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate, we bring to you in our prayer the young people in our Church.
Give them hearts open to Your voice.
Help our youth to be generous in responding to Your call.
Give them the grace to persevere in overcoming all the pressures in our world that may keep them from living their vocation
which began and continues through their Baptism.
Give to parents the faith, love and joy which will inspire them to encourage their children to live holy lives.
May they rejoice when a child of theirs is called by You to serve You and Your people as a priest, brother, sister or deacon.
May the example of Your life, and that of Your parents, Mary and Joseph, encourage parents and children to form holy families,
and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
Give them hearts open to Your voice.
Help our youth to be generous in responding to Your call.
Give them the grace to persevere in overcoming all the pressures in our world that may keep them from living their vocation
which began and continues through their Baptism.
Give to parents the faith, love and joy which will inspire them to encourage their children to live holy lives.
May they rejoice when a child of theirs is called by You to serve You and Your people as a priest, brother, sister or deacon.
May the example of Your life, and that of Your parents, Mary and Joseph, encourage parents and children to form holy families,
and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise for Priests
Lord Jesus, You have chosen Your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim Your word and to act in Your name.
For so great a gift to Your Church, we give You praise and thanksgiving.
We ask You to 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 shine out through their weakness.
In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned.
Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of Your dying and rising.
In time of weakness, send them Your Spirit, and help them to praise Your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners.
By the same Holy Spirit, put Your word on their lips and Your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted.
And may the gift of Mary, Your mother, to the disciple whom You loved, be Your gift to every priest.
Grant that she who formed You in her human image, may form them in Your Divine image, by the power of Your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
[3 times] O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
For so great a gift to Your Church, we give You praise and thanksgiving.
We ask You to 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 shine out through their weakness.
In their afflictions let them never be crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be destroyed; in persecution never abandoned.
Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of Your dying and rising.
In time of weakness, send them Your Spirit, and help them to praise Your heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners.
By the same Holy Spirit, put Your word on their lips and Your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted.
And may the gift of Mary, Your mother, to the disciple whom You loved, be Your gift to every priest.
Grant that she who formed You in her human image, may form them in Your Divine image, by the power of Your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
[3 times] O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.
Litany of Prayers for Priests
For all Priests:
— Give them Your wisdom, Lord.
— Give them virtues.
— Give them patience and charity.
— Give them obedience and kindness.
— Give them a burning zeal for souls.
— Give them an intense love for the Eucharist.
— Give them loyalty to the Pope and their Bishops.
— Give them respect for their dignity.
— Give them a great love for Mary.
— Give them rectitude for justice.
— Give them the gift of counsel.
— Give them strength in their labors.
— Give them peace in their sufferings.
— Give them humility and generosity.
— Let them be the light of souls.
— Let them be the salt of the earth.
— Let them practice sacrifice and self denial.
— Let them enkindle hearts with the love of Mary.
— Let them be other Christs.
— Let them be holy in body and soul.
— May they be men of prayer.
— May faith shine forth in them.
— May they be faithful to their priestly vocation.
— May their hands know only how to bless.
— May they burn with love for You and for Mary.
— May all their steps be for the glory of God.
— May the Holy Spirit possess them, and give them His gifts and fruits in abundance.
Let us pray, O God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. You are the soul and the life of the Church. Hear the prayers we offer for priests. We ask this through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, their protector and guide. Amen.
— Richard Cardinal Cushing
— Give them Your wisdom, Lord.
— Give them virtues.
— Give them patience and charity.
— Give them obedience and kindness.
— Give them a burning zeal for souls.
— Give them an intense love for the Eucharist.
— Give them loyalty to the Pope and their Bishops.
— Give them respect for their dignity.
— Give them a great love for Mary.
— Give them rectitude for justice.
— Give them the gift of counsel.
— Give them strength in their labors.
— Give them peace in their sufferings.
— Give them humility and generosity.
— Let them be the light of souls.
— Let them be the salt of the earth.
— Let them practice sacrifice and self denial.
— Let them enkindle hearts with the love of Mary.
— Let them be other Christs.
— Let them be holy in body and soul.
— May they be men of prayer.
— May faith shine forth in them.
— May they be faithful to their priestly vocation.
— May their hands know only how to bless.
— May they burn with love for You and for Mary.
— May all their steps be for the glory of God.
— May the Holy Spirit possess them, and give them His gifts and fruits in abundance.
Let us pray, O God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. You are the soul and the life of the Church. Hear the prayers we offer for priests. We ask this through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, their protector and guide. Amen.
— Richard Cardinal Cushing
Prayer for the Church
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy!
Guard the kingdom of Thy Vicar on earth, our chief bishop.
Pray for the people; intercede for the clergy; protect the consecrated virgins.
Give us strength against our enemies and thine.
Give courage to the fearful; joy to those that mourn; peace to the contrite of heart; perseverance to the just.
Let all experience thy protection, Virgin and Mother.
Through thee the nations are brought to repentance, the demons are put to flight.
They that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death are filled with the knowledge and love of Thy Son. Amen.
--St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R.
Guard the kingdom of Thy Vicar on earth, our chief bishop.
Pray for the people; intercede for the clergy; protect the consecrated virgins.
Give us strength against our enemies and thine.
Give courage to the fearful; joy to those that mourn; peace to the contrite of heart; perseverance to the just.
Let all experience thy protection, Virgin and Mother.
Through thee the nations are brought to repentance, the demons are put to flight.
They that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death are filled with the knowledge and love of Thy Son. Amen.
--St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R.
Offering of the Precious Blood for Priests
This chaplet of reparation and intercession is meant to be prayed on an ordinary five decade rosary.
Incline (+) unto my aid, O God; O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. (After Septuagesima: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.)
On the Our Father beads:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Thy Beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19) in reparation for my sins and for the sins of all Thy priests.
On the Hail Mary beads:
By Thy Precious Blood, O Jesus, purify and sanctify Thy priests.
In place of the Glory be to the Father:
O Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth is named (Ephesians 3:14), have mercy on all Thy priests, and wash them in the Blood of the Lamb.
Incline (+) unto my aid, O God; O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia. (After Septuagesima: Praise be to Thee, O Lord, King of eternal glory.)
On the Our Father beads:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Thy Beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19) in reparation for my sins and for the sins of all Thy priests.
On the Hail Mary beads:
By Thy Precious Blood, O Jesus, purify and sanctify Thy priests.
In place of the Glory be to the Father:
O Father, from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth is named (Ephesians 3:14), have mercy on all Thy priests, and wash them in the Blood of the Lamb.
Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries for Priests
The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture – Matthew 26:38-39
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Petition
Eternal Father, you willed Jesus to be the icon of obedience. Graciously dispose the priest to glorify you by the gift of his free will. Grant that nothing on the earth cause him to compromise the promise of obedience that helps him to disappear from his own sight. We implore you to form the priest’s heart into a canvas of charity, humility, mortification, surrender, recollection and obedience for love of you and the Church.
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture – Matthew 27:24-26
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Petition
Eternal Father, graciously grant the priest to discover the joy of being configured to Christ who came to serve, not to be served. Please shape the expectations of the priest to conform to the divine expectation of priesthood, and help him to embrace a life of humility and love, with prayer, simplicity, and patience.
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Scripture – Matthew 27:28-30
And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him saying, “Hail King of the Jews!” And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.
Petition
Eternal Father, graciously encourage the priest to avail himself of the sacrament of confession as a penitent, so that he minister the same sacrament of mercy with a pure heart. Help him to realize that as he receives divine mercy in the confessional, he can more joyfully extend the same divine mercy to others. Grant him to be a good penitent and in turn, a good confessor.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus Carries His Cross
Scripture – Matthew 27:31-32
And when they [the Roman soldiers] had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon, by name: this man they compelled to carry his cross.
Petition
Eternal Father, as the priest carries his cross daily in service to the Church, grant that he experience the presence of Mary and the welcomed help of the lay faithful. We pray that the weight of his cross not crush his spirit, though it may break his heart. At the end of each day, when the priest is in the silence and solitude of his room, grant him peace and lead him to surrender the burdens of his ministry, laying them at the foot of the Cross.
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion of Our Lord
Scripture – Matthew 27:35-37
And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”
Petition
Eternal Father, Your Son’s self-emptying love is inspiring and challenging to the priest. Jesus drank the chalice to the dregs, his poverty is complete, and he hides his glory, and strips himself of every possession and domain. Please protect the priest from the enemy who strategizes to destroy his vocation, and tempts him to extremes of discouragement and doubt, and then, pride and vanity. Graciously teach the priest the science of the cross and the art of loving as Jesus loves.
SOURCE: adapted from Praying for Priests, which is available from Sophia Institute Press.
Scripture – Matthew 26:38-39
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little further he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Petition
Eternal Father, you willed Jesus to be the icon of obedience. Graciously dispose the priest to glorify you by the gift of his free will. Grant that nothing on the earth cause him to compromise the promise of obedience that helps him to disappear from his own sight. We implore you to form the priest’s heart into a canvas of charity, humility, mortification, surrender, recollection and obedience for love of you and the Church.
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture – Matthew 27:24-26
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Petition
Eternal Father, graciously grant the priest to discover the joy of being configured to Christ who came to serve, not to be served. Please shape the expectations of the priest to conform to the divine expectation of priesthood, and help him to embrace a life of humility and love, with prayer, simplicity, and patience.
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Scripture – Matthew 27:28-30
And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him saying, “Hail King of the Jews!” And they spat upon him, and took the reed and struck him on the head.
Petition
Eternal Father, graciously encourage the priest to avail himself of the sacrament of confession as a penitent, so that he minister the same sacrament of mercy with a pure heart. Help him to realize that as he receives divine mercy in the confessional, he can more joyfully extend the same divine mercy to others. Grant him to be a good penitent and in turn, a good confessor.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus Carries His Cross
Scripture – Matthew 27:31-32
And when they [the Roman soldiers] had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him. As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon, by name: this man they compelled to carry his cross.
Petition
Eternal Father, as the priest carries his cross daily in service to the Church, grant that he experience the presence of Mary and the welcomed help of the lay faithful. We pray that the weight of his cross not crush his spirit, though it may break his heart. At the end of each day, when the priest is in the silence and solitude of his room, grant him peace and lead him to surrender the burdens of his ministry, laying them at the foot of the Cross.
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion of Our Lord
Scripture – Matthew 27:35-37
And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”
Petition
Eternal Father, Your Son’s self-emptying love is inspiring and challenging to the priest. Jesus drank the chalice to the dregs, his poverty is complete, and he hides his glory, and strips himself of every possession and domain. Please protect the priest from the enemy who strategizes to destroy his vocation, and tempts him to extremes of discouragement and doubt, and then, pride and vanity. Graciously teach the priest the science of the cross and the art of loving as Jesus loves.
SOURCE: adapted from Praying for Priests, which is available from Sophia Institute Press.
Morning Offering for Priests
Divine Saviour Jesus Christ, who has entrusted the whole work of your redemption, the welfare, and salvation of the world to priests as your representatives, through the hands of your most holy Mother and for the sanctification of your priests and candidates for the priesthood, I offer you this present day wholly and entirely, with all its prayers, works, joys, sacrifices, and sorrows. Give us truly holy priests who, inflamed with the fire of your divine love, seek nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls.
Holy 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 become unfaithful to their exalted vocation and have gone astray. Amen.
Holy 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 become unfaithful to their exalted vocation and have gone astray. Amen.
Prayer for Consecrated Life
God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as sisters, brothers, religious priests, consecrated virgins, and hermits, as well as members of Secular Institutes. Renew their knowledge and love of you, and send your Holy Spirit to help them respond generously and courageously to your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Advent Prayer for Priests
Advent season is a perfect time to pray Our Lady’s rosary for the holiness of priests; an intention most pleasing to the Immaculate Heart. We can consider it a fruitful spiritual work of mercy.
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation of Our Lord
Intention: Priestly obedience of faith
Fruit: the gift of wisdom and for yes to the divine will
Scripture: Luke 1:26-33, 38
Prayer: Father, I pray for priests to listen, hear and respond, as did Mary so that their hearts are receptive to the divine will. Please grant to priests the gift of wisdom to ardently desire holiness of life. Graciously protect them from temptations to flight, compromise, compensation, vice or sin.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Intention: Joyful, faithful service
Fruit: virtues
Scripture: Luke 1:39-45
Prayer: Father, I pray that priests never tire of going forth to serve wherever they are needed. Please grant to priests the experience of joy in their sacrificial love for souls. Sanctify your priests that they may sanctify your people, attracting souls to your kingdom.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Jesus
Intention: Humility of the Christ child
Fruit: to love and be loved
Scripture: Luke 2: 6-12
Prayer: Father, the prophet Isaiah said, “A little child shall lead them” (Is. 11:6). I pray for priests to be humble with a childlike trust in divine providence. Please heal priests of any fear of vulnerability that is required for authentic Christ-like love and service. May the Christ Child be born anew in the heart of every priest so they remember the Gift of Love.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
Intention: Growth in personal prayer
Fruit: holiness, purity, perseverance
Scripture: Luke 2:25-32
Prayer: Father, I pray for priests to grow in the gift of personal prayer, that they may know the joy of encountering Jesus Christ and of having a lively interior life. Please raise priests to know the power of prayer from the heart.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: Finding the Christ Child in the Temple
Intention: Zeal for the Father’s House
Fruit: self-emptying charity for souls
Scripture: Luke 2:41-50
Prayer: Father, I pray that priests will be always breaking open the living Word in Your temple, the Church. Graciously grant priests the gift of zeal for your house, zeal for Christ, zeal for souls, zeal for the priesthood, zeal for loving service, and zeal for heaven.
SOURCE: https://catholicexchange.com/advent-joyful-mysteries-holiness-priests
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation of Our Lord
Intention: Priestly obedience of faith
Fruit: the gift of wisdom and for yes to the divine will
Scripture: Luke 1:26-33, 38
Prayer: Father, I pray for priests to listen, hear and respond, as did Mary so that their hearts are receptive to the divine will. Please grant to priests the gift of wisdom to ardently desire holiness of life. Graciously protect them from temptations to flight, compromise, compensation, vice or sin.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Intention: Joyful, faithful service
Fruit: virtues
Scripture: Luke 1:39-45
Prayer: Father, I pray that priests never tire of going forth to serve wherever they are needed. Please grant to priests the experience of joy in their sacrificial love for souls. Sanctify your priests that they may sanctify your people, attracting souls to your kingdom.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Jesus
Intention: Humility of the Christ child
Fruit: to love and be loved
Scripture: Luke 2: 6-12
Prayer: Father, the prophet Isaiah said, “A little child shall lead them” (Is. 11:6). I pray for priests to be humble with a childlike trust in divine providence. Please heal priests of any fear of vulnerability that is required for authentic Christ-like love and service. May the Christ Child be born anew in the heart of every priest so they remember the Gift of Love.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation
Intention: Growth in personal prayer
Fruit: holiness, purity, perseverance
Scripture: Luke 2:25-32
Prayer: Father, I pray for priests to grow in the gift of personal prayer, that they may know the joy of encountering Jesus Christ and of having a lively interior life. Please raise priests to know the power of prayer from the heart.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: Finding the Christ Child in the Temple
Intention: Zeal for the Father’s House
Fruit: self-emptying charity for souls
Scripture: Luke 2:41-50
Prayer: Father, I pray that priests will be always breaking open the living Word in Your temple, the Church. Graciously grant priests the gift of zeal for your house, zeal for Christ, zeal for souls, zeal for the priesthood, zeal for loving service, and zeal for heaven.
SOURCE: https://catholicexchange.com/advent-joyful-mysteries-holiness-priests
Daily Prayer for Our Seminarians
O Lord Jesus, great High Priest, we entrust our seminarians to You.
Enlighten the faculty in their guidance, spiritual directors in molding them,
and professors in instructing them.
Lead our seminarians daily in Your footsteps; so that they may become priests who are models of purity, teachers of wisdom, and heroes of sacrifice.
Fill them with humility and love for God and man.
Transform them into apostles of Your glory and sanctifiers of souls.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for them and obtain for us many more.
Enlighten the faculty in their guidance, spiritual directors in molding them,
and professors in instructing them.
Lead our seminarians daily in Your footsteps; so that they may become priests who are models of purity, teachers of wisdom, and heroes of sacrifice.
Fill them with humility and love for God and man.
Transform them into apostles of Your glory and sanctifiers of souls.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for them and obtain for us many more.
Prayer for Holy Priests by St. Charles Borromeo
O Holy Mother of God, pray for the priests your Son has chosen to serve the church. Help them by your intercession, to be holy, zealous and chaste. Make them models of virtue in the service of God’s people. Help them to be prayerful in meditations, effective in preaching, and enthusiastic in the daily offering of the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Help them to administer the sacraments with joy. Amen.
Prayer for Priests
O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of your priests.
Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life.
In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them.
In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.
O Loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much.
Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy. Amen.
Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life.
In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them.
In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.
O Loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much.
Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy. Amen.
Prayer for Vocations
Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. You know each of us and You call us by name to serve in faith. Help us to respond generously to Your voice. Give courage and guidance to those You call to the priesthood, diaconate and to the religious life. Guide with Your Holy Spirit those who are in
seminaries and in religious formation. May they respond wholeheartedly and serve you devotedly. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
seminaries and in religious formation. May they respond wholeheartedly and serve you devotedly. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother Rosary Prayer for Priests
Begin with the Act of Contrition.
MEDITATIONS:
1. The Prophecy of Simeon
“This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple and offered the sacrifice of the poor. Simeon’s prophecy did not discourage Mary. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, be with all who are responding to the call of the Spirit to serve the Church as ordained ministers. Support them especially even when family and friends discourage their response. Guide and strengthen seminarians to have the courage to follow the Spirit’s prompting. May those priests on leave of absence be given discerning hearts. May the same Spirit renew within them all the seven-fold gifts.
Our Father and Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary Mother of Sorrows pray for us.
2. The Flight into Egypt
“Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise.” Leaving the comfort of homeland, obedient Joseph takes Mary and the child Jesus to a new land. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, encourage the priests who are tired or lonely as they lead the people entrusted to them to the Kingdom. Pray that your priest sons will be drawn ever closer into intimate union with your Divine Son. Convict with the truth, those priests who are unfaithful and take flight of the Gospel and from their priestly promises. Pray for the strength of tepid priests so that their “yes” may be modeled after yours.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for us.
3. Jesus is Lost in the Temple
“Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.” Mary and Joseph searched long and hard for their Son. They came to understand His mission. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons that they will be given the insight and the compassion to welcome lost members of the Church. Replace discouragement about ministry with renewed hope. Pray, Mother of Sorrows, for those who labor in mission areas. May they find a home in your Son’s heart and know the support of the entire Church community.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
4. Jesus and Mary Meet on the Way of the Cross
Jesus meets his Mother on the way to Golgotha. Meeting her Son Jesus on the road to Calvary was a joy and a pain for Mary. She was able to express her love while sharing in His pain. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons as they minister to others in suffering and pain. May they welcome the opportunity to bring healing to the sick and those experiencing hardship. Care for them in their own sufferings while they reach out to others.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
5. The Crucifixion
“He bowed his head and delivered over His Spirit.” Mary faithfully stood by her Son as He died. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priests sons as they celebrate the paschal mystery of your Son, Jesus. May they model their lives in union with the Crucified and Risen Lord. Inspire priests to be fervent in offering humble service.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
6. Jesus is taken down from the Cross
“Then having brought a linen shroud, Joseph took him down.” Mary, you cradled the broken body of your Son. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons who are sick and suffering in any way. Cradle them when they are broken. Be a source of refuge for the sick and the dying. Assure your priest sons that they are never alone or abandoned in their hour of need.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
7. Burial of Jesus
“They took Jesus’ body, and in accordance with Jewish burial custom bound it up in wrappings of cloth with perfumed oils. In the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been buried. Because of the Jewish Preparation Day, they buried Jesus there, for the tomb was close at hand.” Mary, you watched as the body of your Son was buried. Though others were present, you stood in solitude. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for priests who have died. After having labored for the Kingdom, ask your Son to share with them the victory of His Cross and joys of everlasting life. May those in purgatory be freed right away through the offering of the merits of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection so as to share in the fullness of life.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
Three Hail Marys In honor of the Tears of the Blessed Mother.
Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us! 3x
Closing Prayer of the Seven Sorrow Rosary:
Thank you dear Mother of Sorrows for your intercession. We love you! By the power of the Holy Spirit and through you, Mary, we offer everything to God the Father through, with and in Jesus the Priest and Victim for the multiplication and sanctification of priests. Amen.
--Adapted: Apostolate of the Mary Mother of Sorrows Prayer Group, Cleveland, OH
MEDITATIONS:
1. The Prophecy of Simeon
“This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple and offered the sacrifice of the poor. Simeon’s prophecy did not discourage Mary. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, be with all who are responding to the call of the Spirit to serve the Church as ordained ministers. Support them especially even when family and friends discourage their response. Guide and strengthen seminarians to have the courage to follow the Spirit’s prompting. May those priests on leave of absence be given discerning hearts. May the same Spirit renew within them all the seven-fold gifts.
Our Father and Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary Mother of Sorrows pray for us.
2. The Flight into Egypt
“Get up, take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you otherwise.” Leaving the comfort of homeland, obedient Joseph takes Mary and the child Jesus to a new land. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, encourage the priests who are tired or lonely as they lead the people entrusted to them to the Kingdom. Pray that your priest sons will be drawn ever closer into intimate union with your Divine Son. Convict with the truth, those priests who are unfaithful and take flight of the Gospel and from their priestly promises. Pray for the strength of tepid priests so that their “yes” may be modeled after yours.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for us.
3. Jesus is Lost in the Temple
“Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.” Mary and Joseph searched long and hard for their Son. They came to understand His mission. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons that they will be given the insight and the compassion to welcome lost members of the Church. Replace discouragement about ministry with renewed hope. Pray, Mother of Sorrows, for those who labor in mission areas. May they find a home in your Son’s heart and know the support of the entire Church community.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
4. Jesus and Mary Meet on the Way of the Cross
Jesus meets his Mother on the way to Golgotha. Meeting her Son Jesus on the road to Calvary was a joy and a pain for Mary. She was able to express her love while sharing in His pain. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons as they minister to others in suffering and pain. May they welcome the opportunity to bring healing to the sick and those experiencing hardship. Care for them in their own sufferings while they reach out to others.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
5. The Crucifixion
“He bowed his head and delivered over His Spirit.” Mary faithfully stood by her Son as He died. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priests sons as they celebrate the paschal mystery of your Son, Jesus. May they model their lives in union with the Crucified and Risen Lord. Inspire priests to be fervent in offering humble service.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
6. Jesus is taken down from the Cross
“Then having brought a linen shroud, Joseph took him down.” Mary, you cradled the broken body of your Son. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for your priest sons who are sick and suffering in any way. Cradle them when they are broken. Be a source of refuge for the sick and the dying. Assure your priest sons that they are never alone or abandoned in their hour of need.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
7. Burial of Jesus
“They took Jesus’ body, and in accordance with Jewish burial custom bound it up in wrappings of cloth with perfumed oils. In the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been buried. Because of the Jewish Preparation Day, they buried Jesus there, for the tomb was close at hand.” Mary, you watched as the body of your Son was buried. Though others were present, you stood in solitude. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, intercede for priests who have died. After having labored for the Kingdom, ask your Son to share with them the victory of His Cross and joys of everlasting life. May those in purgatory be freed right away through the offering of the merits of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection so as to share in the fullness of life.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.
Three Hail Marys In honor of the Tears of the Blessed Mother.
Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us! 3x
Closing Prayer of the Seven Sorrow Rosary:
Thank you dear Mother of Sorrows for your intercession. We love you! By the power of the Holy Spirit and through you, Mary, we offer everything to God the Father through, with and in Jesus the Priest and Victim for the multiplication and sanctification of priests. Amen.
--Adapted: Apostolate of the Mary Mother of Sorrows Prayer Group, Cleveland, OH
Prayer for Parish Priests to St. John Vianney
Dear Saint John Vianney, your childhood dream was to be a Priest, to win souls for God. You endured years of toil and humiliation to attain the Priesthood. You became a Priest truly after Godʼs own heart, outstanding in humility and poverty; prayer and mortification. Totally devoted to the service of Godʼs people.
The Church has exalted you as model and patron saint of all Parish Priests, trusting that your example and prayers will help them to live up to the high dignity of their vocation to be faithful servants of Godʼs people, to be perfect imitators of Christ the Savior Who came not to be served but to serve, to give His Life in ransom for many.
Pray that God may give to His Church today many more Priests after His own Heart. Pray for all the Priests under your patronage, that they may be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of Godʼs Grace in the Sacraments.
May their loving devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary His Mother be the Twin Fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen.
The Church has exalted you as model and patron saint of all Parish Priests, trusting that your example and prayers will help them to live up to the high dignity of their vocation to be faithful servants of Godʼs people, to be perfect imitators of Christ the Savior Who came not to be served but to serve, to give His Life in ransom for many.
Pray that God may give to His Church today many more Priests after His own Heart. Pray for all the Priests under your patronage, that they may be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of Godʼs Grace in the Sacraments.
May their loving devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary His Mother be the Twin Fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen.
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for the Increase of Priestly and Religious Vocations
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Eternal Father, Son of the Virgin Mary, we thank you for offering your life in sacrifice on the Cross, and for renewing this sacrifice in every Mass celebrated throughout the world.
In the Power of the Holy Spirit we adore you and proclaim your living presence in the Eucharist. We desire to imitate the love you show us in your death and resurrection, by loving and serving one another.
We ask you to call many young people to religious life, and to provide the holy and generous priests that are so needed in your Church today. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Amen.
—Archbishop Justin Rigali
In the Power of the Holy Spirit we adore you and proclaim your living presence in the Eucharist. We desire to imitate the love you show us in your death and resurrection, by loving and serving one another.
We ask you to call many young people to religious life, and to provide the holy and generous priests that are so needed in your Church today. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. Amen.
—Archbishop Justin Rigali
Prayer for Priests and Those Destined for the Priesthood
Seven times Our Lord shed His Precious Blood.
1. My beloved Jesus, by the Precious Blood which you did shed on the day of the Circumcision, deign to watch over the infancy and the early education of the children whom you have destined to minister at the altar, that they may be preserved spotless till consecrated to you by the Holy Unction. Bless the families that honor your Precious Blood and spread this devotion by choosing from their midst a large number of vocations to the priesthood and by maintaining their fervor till the close of the their lives.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
2. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood you did shed in the Garden of Olives, take pity on all aspirants to the priesthood who, through the temptations of the evil one, or dread of the responsibilities of the sacred ministry, are in danger of losing their vocation. Impart to these tortured souls sufficient courage to make the sacrifices by which the Eucharistic Chalice must be purchased; and in return for their generosity, inebriate them at the altar with the Blood which, in Heaven, shall be their eternal source of delight.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
3. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood shed in your painful Scourging, shield with your own special protection and that of your Immaculate Mother all ministers of the sanctuary so that, having renounced the goods of earth in order to belong entirely to you, they may every day offer and receive your Body and Blood with such pious disposition as to enable you to find in their hearts a “Paradise of Delight.”
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
4. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which you did shed in your Crowning with Thorns, we beseech you to maintain our clergy in such filial submission to the Holy See and its representatives as will forever secure them the veneration, confidence and docility of the faithful children of Holy Church.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
5. Lord Jesus, by your Precious Blood shed on the Way to Calvary take pity on priests who are victims of injustice and who like their Adorable Model, receive in return for their devotedness but crosses, trials, and persecutions.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
6. Lord Jesus, by the Blood of your Crucifixion, inflame with ever increasing zeal the dispensers of your Blood. Grant that, thirsting like you for souls, they may continue the work of your Bloody Passion by applying its merits. Succor most of all the poor missionaries who, after watering with their sweat and their tears the soil in which they have sown the Divine Seed, may still be called upon to dye with their blood the land upon which they planted the Cross.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
7. Lord Jesus, through the Blood and Water shed by you after death, take special pity we beseech you on those among your ministers who will soon be mown down by death. If, through human frailty, they have become the debtors of your justice, grant that this very day the infinitely Precious Blood may discharge their obligations.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
1. My beloved Jesus, by the Precious Blood which you did shed on the day of the Circumcision, deign to watch over the infancy and the early education of the children whom you have destined to minister at the altar, that they may be preserved spotless till consecrated to you by the Holy Unction. Bless the families that honor your Precious Blood and spread this devotion by choosing from their midst a large number of vocations to the priesthood and by maintaining their fervor till the close of the their lives.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
2. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood you did shed in the Garden of Olives, take pity on all aspirants to the priesthood who, through the temptations of the evil one, or dread of the responsibilities of the sacred ministry, are in danger of losing their vocation. Impart to these tortured souls sufficient courage to make the sacrifices by which the Eucharistic Chalice must be purchased; and in return for their generosity, inebriate them at the altar with the Blood which, in Heaven, shall be their eternal source of delight.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
3. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood shed in your painful Scourging, shield with your own special protection and that of your Immaculate Mother all ministers of the sanctuary so that, having renounced the goods of earth in order to belong entirely to you, they may every day offer and receive your Body and Blood with such pious disposition as to enable you to find in their hearts a “Paradise of Delight.”
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
4. Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which you did shed in your Crowning with Thorns, we beseech you to maintain our clergy in such filial submission to the Holy See and its representatives as will forever secure them the veneration, confidence and docility of the faithful children of Holy Church.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
5. Lord Jesus, by your Precious Blood shed on the Way to Calvary take pity on priests who are victims of injustice and who like their Adorable Model, receive in return for their devotedness but crosses, trials, and persecutions.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
6. Lord Jesus, by the Blood of your Crucifixion, inflame with ever increasing zeal the dispensers of your Blood. Grant that, thirsting like you for souls, they may continue the work of your Bloody Passion by applying its merits. Succor most of all the poor missionaries who, after watering with their sweat and their tears the soil in which they have sown the Divine Seed, may still be called upon to dye with their blood the land upon which they planted the Cross.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
7. Lord Jesus, through the Blood and Water shed by you after death, take special pity we beseech you on those among your ministers who will soon be mown down by death. If, through human frailty, they have become the debtors of your justice, grant that this very day the infinitely Precious Blood may discharge their obligations.
Our Lady of the Precious Blood, watch over the living chalices of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.
For Priests: Prayer by Pope Benedict XVI
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests.
Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the Divine Master.
May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to your own heart, single-minded in service to you and to the Church, and shining examples of a holy, simple, and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests.
Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the Divine Master.
May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to your own heart, single-minded in service to you and to the Church, and shining examples of a holy, simple, and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations
O God, Our Father, You have called us in Baptism, to follow Your Son through lives of living service to You and to one another. Grant us Your assistance as we seek to live out our vocation in life. We pray especially for those who have answered Your call as priests, brothers, sisters, and deacons. Keep them faithful in following Your Son, and dedicated in serving You, in their brothers and sisters. Grant that many more men and women will be open to the challenge of dedicating their lives in the ministry of building Your Kingdom. Jesus, High priest and Redeemer, we ask You to call men and women to Your service as priests and religious. May they be inspired by the lives of dedicated priests, brothers and sisters. Holy Spirit, give to parents the grace of generosity and trust toward You and their Child, so that their sons and daughters may be helped to choose their vocation in life with wisdom and freedom. We ask all of this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to Offer Holy Communion for Priests
Heavenly Father, for the glory of Your Holy Name, we offer You Jesus, the Incarnate Word, whom we have received in the Sacrament of His love, and in whom You are well pleased.
Through Mary Immaculate, we offer ourselves united with Christ, for the sanctification and increase of Your priests.
Pour Your Divine Spirit upon them, grant them a great love for the Cross and make fruitful their pastoral work. Amen.
Through Mary Immaculate, we offer ourselves united with Christ, for the sanctification and increase of Your priests.
Pour Your Divine Spirit upon them, grant them a great love for the Cross and make fruitful their pastoral work. Amen.
Prayer of Offering for Seminarians
O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, I offer You through Your Immaculate Mother Mary, Your Own Precious Blood, in all the Masses throughout the world, as petition for graces for all seminarians, Your future priests. Give them humility, meekness, prudence, and a burning zeal for souls.
Fill their hearts with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to know and love the Church, that they may always and everywhere speak, act, and think with her, the glorious spouse of Christ. Teach them generosity and detachment from worldly goods; but above all, teach them to know You and to love the One and Only Eternal Priest. Good Shepherd of Souls, hear this my prayer for saintly priests. Amen
— Prayers for Today (Leaflet Missal Co.)
Fill their hearts with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to know and love the Church, that they may always and everywhere speak, act, and think with her, the glorious spouse of Christ. Teach them generosity and detachment from worldly goods; but above all, teach them to know You and to love the One and Only Eternal Priest. Good Shepherd of Souls, hear this my prayer for saintly priests. Amen
— Prayers for Today (Leaflet Missal Co.)
Prayer for Priests in the Words of St. Faustina
Jesus, Himself, instituted the holy priesthood on Holy Thursday. In this time of Easter Joy and Divine Mercy, let us remember the words of St. Faustina:
“O Jesus, give us fervent and holy priest! Oh, how great is the dignity of the priest, but at the same time, how great is his responsibility! Much has been given you, O priest, but much will also be demanded of you….” --St. Faustina’s Diary, 941
“O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church: Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit, and give power to the words of priests so hardened hearts may be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; you yourself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil’s traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for You can do all things.” --St. Faustina’s Diary, 1052
“O Jesus, give us fervent and holy priest! Oh, how great is the dignity of the priest, but at the same time, how great is his responsibility! Much has been given you, O priest, but much will also be demanded of you….” --St. Faustina’s Diary, 941
“O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church: Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit, and give power to the words of priests so hardened hearts may be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; you yourself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil’s traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for You can do all things.” --St. Faustina’s Diary, 1052
Prayer for Priests and Religious
“Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company [of chosen ones] in Your vineyard-upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.” --St. Faustina’s Diary, 1231
Adoration and Reparation for Priests (On Thursdays)
Lord Jesus Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit, and full of confidence in the help of Thy Most Holy Mother, I offer Thee this Thursday, and every Thursday for the rest of my life, in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Thy Most Holy Body and Blood, and in adoration and reparation for all the priests of Thy Church, especially for those who do not adore Thee, for those who are wounded in their souls, and for those who are exposed to the attacks of the powers of darkness.
For them and in their place, allow me to abide before Thy Eucharistic Face. In their name, let me draw near to Thy open Heart, ever-flowing with the Blood and the Water that purify, heal, and sanctify all souls, but, first of all, those of Thy priests.
Eternal High Priest, make me an entirely Eucharistic soul, according to the desires of Thy Sacred Heart and the designs of Thy merciful goodness upon my life. I desire only to love Thee more each day, and to be, by Thy grace, the faithful adorer of Thy Eucharistic Face and the consoling friend of Thy Sacred Heart hidden in the tabernacles of the world, where it beats, wounded by love, forgotten, forsaken, and waiting for the adoration and for the love of even one priest. Amen.
For them and in their place, allow me to abide before Thy Eucharistic Face. In their name, let me draw near to Thy open Heart, ever-flowing with the Blood and the Water that purify, heal, and sanctify all souls, but, first of all, those of Thy priests.
Eternal High Priest, make me an entirely Eucharistic soul, according to the desires of Thy Sacred Heart and the designs of Thy merciful goodness upon my life. I desire only to love Thee more each day, and to be, by Thy grace, the faithful adorer of Thy Eucharistic Face and the consoling friend of Thy Sacred Heart hidden in the tabernacles of the world, where it beats, wounded by love, forgotten, forsaken, and waiting for the adoration and for the love of even one priest. Amen.
Vocation Prayer
Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate, give to our young people the generosity necessary to follow Your call and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation.
Give to parents that faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their children to God's service and to rejoice whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood or religious life.
May Your example and that of Your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
Give to parents that faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their children to God's service and to rejoice whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood or religious life.
May Your example and that of Your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen.
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