The annual Sacred Heart of Jesus is a day of prayer for the sanctification of priests. The American Bishops’ Conference issued a message urging all priests in the country to embrace the cross for the good of the gospel.
(Vatican News Network)The “Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests” will be held this year on June 11. On this occasion, the American Bishops’ Conference issued a message urging all priests in the country to “embrace the cross for the good of the gospel.” This message was signed by Bishop James F. Checchio, Chairman of the Committee of Priesthood, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the Bishops’ Conference. The message pointed out that “Preaching the gospel is often rejected and isolated. Priests must also face this harsh reality.” The American bishops also reiterated that “the power of the cross always prevails.”
Bishop Cecchio said, “I urge all priests, especially those who are suffering, to remember that they are not alone in carrying their cross; it is through the cross of Christ that we have all the strength we need to deal with us. The challenge ahead”.
To this end, Bishop Cecchio quoted Pope Francis’ speech at the Holy Oil Mass on April 1 this year. Traditionally, priests reissue the priest’s vows in the liturgy. The bishop said, “Pope Francis reminds priests that the preaching of the gospel is always linked to persecution” and “the burden of the cross has always existed in the life of our Lord, from beginning to end.” Just as “The Lord accepts the pain of every moment in his earthly life, and his priests should do the same”, because “there is no room for ambiguity in the cross! The cross has no room for negotiation.”
The Global Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests was established in 1995 by Saint John Paul II. This prayer day is held every year on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The purpose of setting up this prayer day is to encourage priests to reflect on the priestly grace they have received from Christ, and to encourage believers to pray for their priests, so that their duties can be strengthened and they will serve the Lord unswervingly.