World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests

Every year, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (first Friday after the celebration of the Body of Christ).

This day of prayer is convened by the Holy Father through the Dicastery for the Clergy. It was Pope Saint John Paul II who established it, making it coincide with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a celebration dedicated to the love of Christ for humanity and of which every priest is a reflection.

Saint John Paul II himself said: “Let us also ask for holy priests, formed ‘according to the Sacred Heart of Christ’.”

Below, we present a beautiful prayer written by Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in which the plea of ​​the entire Church for good and holy priests is expressed (You can do it personally or communally and offer it for a particular priest):

Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests

Oh Jesus,
that you have instituted the priesthood
to continue on earth
the divine work of saving souls,
protect your priests (Specially to: …………..)
in the refuge of your SACRED HEART.

Keep his CONSECRATED HANDS spotless,
that touch your SACRED BODY daily,
and keep his lips pure
dyed with your PRECIOUS BLOOD.

Keep their Hearts pure,
marked with the sublime seal of the PRIESTHOOD,
and do not allow the spirit of the world to contaminate them.

Increase the number of your apostles,
and may your Holy Love protect them from all danger.
Bless their labors and fatigues,
and that as a fruit of his apostolate
obtain the salvation of many souls
May they be your comfort here on earth
and his eternal crown in Heaven.
Amen.