Pope opens new series of talks on St. John Vianney and priestly ministry

July 01, 2009

For the second consecutive week, Pope Benedict XVI devoted his general audience on July 1 to a discussion of the Year for Priests. The Holy Father disclosed that he plans a special series of catechetical talks for the coming months, calling attention to the model priestly service of St. John Vianney, as the Church marks the 150th anniversary of the saint's death.

The Year for Priests, the Pontiff said, is "an opportunity for the inner renewal of all priests and, consequently, for the revitalization of their commitment to the mission." St. John Vianney deserves emulation, he said, because of "his complete identification with his ministry."

 

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Further information:

• Audience: the essential elements of priestly ministry (VIS)
• Pope explains Year for Priests: to rediscover the essence of ministry (CWN, Jun 24)