FALL RIVER — As part of the “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative” underway in the Diocese of Fall River, priests from across the Diocese will gather on August 4 to consecrate themselves to the patron saint of parish priests, Saint John Vianney.

St. John Vianney

Together with Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., in the context of Evening Prayer, they will entrust themselves and their priestly ministry to the intercession of the saint who is seen as a model of holiness and remembered for his dedication to the priesthood.

“Saint John Vianney stands before us like a spiritual father,” Bishop da Cunha wrote in a recent letter to his priests.

The consecration will take place on the Feast of Saint John Vianney, who lived from 1786 to 1859 and ministered in France, and during the ongoing celebration of the centenary of his canonization.

“This moment of consecration will be a time of renewal and commitment, entrusting our priesthood to his intercession so that we may become ever more faithful shepherds of God’s people,” the Bishop explained.

The three-year “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church Initiative,” launched last December, is an innovative effort to strengthen priests in the Diocese of Fall River so they can, in turn, renew its parishes and the whole Church. It specified “priest-centric priorities,” among them the need for priestly well-being and holiness. This entrustment is part of the response to that need.

Parishioners have been invited do their part to support their priests. The Diocese is urging the lay faithful to unite spiritually with their priests on August 4th by praying for them and their ministry.

“Their strength is our strength,” said Matthew Robinson, who is director of the Office of Clergy Support in the Diocese. “Their holiness is the seedbed of vibrant parishes. This is a moment of grace for our Diocese.”

Parishioners are encouraged to offer this prayer over the next few weeks, but especially on August 4th.

PRAYER FOR OUR PRIESTS
Saint John Vianney, patron of parish priests, intercede for our priests as they consecrate themselves to you. Inspire them with your zeal, sustain them in their trials, and enkindle in their hearts the fire of Christ’s love. May they be shepherds after the Heart of Jesus, leading their people to holiness. Strengthen them in their vocation so that, through their renewed priesthood, our parishes may flourish, and our Church may be made strong. Amen.

There is also another opportunity for parishioners to support priests in anticipation of their August 4th consecration to St. John Vianney.

The Office of Clergy support has made available an online form for anyone to easily offer a message of congratulations and encouragement as a sign of gratitude for the ministry and service of priests in the Diocese. The message may be of any length. All of them will be gathered and given to priests after their consecration as a tangible reminder of the prayers and support from those whom they serve. Messages should be submitted by July 31.

“It only takes a minute to make a difference. Your words mean much more to the men who have given their lives to serve Christ and His Church,” said Robinson of the Clergy Support Office.

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