Welcome to the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests!
This annual event, defined as a “beautiful celebration” by the Dicastery for the Clergy, calls each Church to come together in prayer for holy shepherds. Instituted in 1995 by Saint John Paul II, the day aims to bring sanctification to priests and ultimately to the entire People of God.
The letter from Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung sik and Monsignor Andrés Gabriel Ferrada Moreira emphasizes Pope Francis’ call for priests to care for their humanity. They challenge priests to maintain the authenticity of their ministry and be a bridge to encounter Christ.
Recognizing the importance of emotional maturity in priests’ lives, the letter addresses the current lack of education in feelings and emotions in both ecclesiastical and social contexts. It calls for a return to Jesus and the Gospel as a means to care for humanity and bear true fruit.
Reflecting on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the letter urges priests to internalize the feelings of Christ’s Heart for a new humanism that counters dehumanization.
Every day, priests experience inner struggles and division, but they are called to love without measure, in the image of Christ’s Heart. The human heart, a battlefield of desires and limitations, is seen as the place where Christ desires to dwell and love.
On this day, we are reminded of the mercy and love of the Sacred Heart of Christ, and we turn to the Immaculate Heart of the Mother for guidance and inspiration to shepherd according to the Heart of Christ.
As we pray for more vocations to priesthood and consecrated life, let us support and care for all priests, showing them affection and closeness in their ministry.
