Novena for Priests

by Unknown

The priesthood in America today is in crisis. One symptom of that crisis was revealed through media coverage of the heinous and disgraceful behavior of some priests, and the concealing of that behavior by their bishops.

In the past, Church crises have often been the impetus for movements of reform and renewal, and today is no exception. Positive initiatives are beginning in many regions of our country. One of these is the Novena Prayer to the Good Shepherd--initially the idea of a layman and two priests.

Why a Novena? Because this is such a long-established way to direct petitions to God, our Father, and to His saintly children who serve as persuasive intercessors. The Lord Himself has invited us to address our needs to him in common: "Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I in their midst." How could He fail to hear repeated pleas for His chosen ones who are in need of the grace to be more faithful in the certain knowledge that the Eternal Priest has not abandoned them, but is closer to them than ever in these moments of trial?

Those who initiated this Novena Prayer, in the spirit of Pope John Paul's ongoing call for renewal in the Church, have sought and received ecclesiastical approval and the enthusiastic support of a growing circle of associates and friends, clergy and lay. Priests everywhere need to know of their many allies at a time when cultural forces are tempting them to lower their expectations. The Novena is meant to be a counter-offensive that will move every priest to raise his expectations and grow every day in the image of Christ's humanity and divinity.

It is the purpose of this website to publicize the Novena Prayer so that it can be in wide circulation by the feast of Pentecost, 2003. Please join us in this appeal and help us to spread news of this prayer initiative through whatever means are at your disposal. Please send along your suggestions and experiences.

Novena For Priests
Begins May 31, 2003

Jesus, Good Shepherd,
You sent us the Holy Spirit to guide Your Church
and lead her faithful to You through the ministry of Your priests.

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, grant to Your priests
wisdom in leading,
faithfulness in teaching,
and holiness in guarding Your sacred Mysteries.

As they cry out with all the faithful, "Abba, Father!"
may Your priests be ever more closely identified with You
in Your divine Sonship
and offer their own lives with You, the one saving Victim.

Make them helpful brothers of one another,
and understanding fathers of all Your people.

On this Pentecost Sunday, renew in Your priests deeper faith,
greater trust in You,
childlike reliance on our Mother Mary,
and unwavering fidelity to the Holy Father and his bishops.

Holy Mary, intercede for your priests.
St. Joseph, protect them.
St. Michael, defend them.
St. John Vianney, pray for them.

For more information contact www.novenaforpriests.com

With Ecclesiastical Approval
Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C.
Bishop of Peoria

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