Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of Saint John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Priests.  This “Year for Priests” began on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday 19 June 2009 and will conclude on the same Solemnity in 2010.  The purpose of this year is that priests would deepen their commitment to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world.  The lay faithful are invited to reflect on the immense gift which priests represent through their lives of service and to thank and honor them, especially through prayer and through their own striving for holiness.

Please pray for our priests that they might always be faithful to their calling from God. 

Resources listed below are to help celebrate the “Year for Priests.”

Bulletin Announcements

Peoples' Prayer for Priests

A Priest’s Prayer

Spiritual Bouquet for Priests

Gift of Prayer Card - Rosary

Gift of Prayer Card - Adoration

Litany for Priests

Rosary Booklet for the Year for Priests

More information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Diocese of La Crosse Prayer Calendar for Priests May 9 through June 19, 2010

Diocese of La Crosse Prayer Calendar for Priests Feb. 14 through May 8, 2010

Questions from the Compendium of the Catholic Church

How to Celebrate the Year for Priests

Year for Priests Indulgence
 

Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Proclaiming a Year for Priests

Pope Benedict XVI General Audience of June 24, 2009



Knights of Columbus Prayer Card


The icon of the Year for Priests shows Christ in Mass vestments with a gold pelican over his heart,
the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice.  At the bottom is an altar prepared for Mass, and at the sides are Melchizedek,
whose sacrifice of bread and wine prefigured the Eucharist, and St. John Vianney.