for, by Your Holy Spirit, You have anointed Your only Son,
born of the Virgin Mary,
our great High Priest of the new and eternal covenant.
In Your love, You graciously give to all the baptized a share in
His one priesthood.
And, from these, Christ Your Son calls some men to share in
His priesthood in a special way, making them stewards of the
Mysteries of God.
We joyfully thank You for our priests who answer His call each day
with their lives of generous service to all of Your children.
They are a most precious gift of Your Divine Mercy.
Strengthen them in their ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Lift them up when they are cast down.
Forgive them when they fail.
Enlighten their minds with the Truth of the Gospel.
Inflame their hearts with love for Your Holy Church,
and fill them with the overflowing joy of Your Grace.
Through the intercession of St. John Vianney, patron of all priests,
we humbly ask You to make our priests true shepherds,
each one willing to lay down his life for his flock
after the example of Your own divine Son
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
+Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, S.T.D., S.S.L.,D.D.
Bishop of Paterson