In 2002, Pope Saint John Paul II designated the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops states, “On this day, the Church encourages priests to prayerfully reflect upon the gift of their vocation. The faithful are also invited to mark this celebration by praying for all priests that they may live lives of holiness and fidelity to Christ and his Church.”
This year, the celebration occurs on Friday, June 16, 2023. The Diocese of Fall River is asking the faithful of the Diocese to consider offering special prayers on that day for the sanctification of our priests.
Below are a few examples: • Attend Mass and offer the Mass for the sanctification of our priests • Pray the Holy Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet for our priests • Offer some sort of fasting for our priests on that day • Pray devoutly just one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be for our priests
All are encouraged as well to pray the following prayer together for the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests:
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the intercession of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, imbue all priests with His grace, strengthen their hearts, and renew them in their vocation to image Christ, Head and Shepherd, Servant and Spouse. Amen.”
