Dear Parishioners,
 

Please see the message we received today from Bishop Francis I. Malone regarding the upcoming World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of our Priests. 

 

On June 24th, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Catholic Church will celebrate World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests.  It is my hope that all parishioners in the Diocese of Shreveport will offer the following prayer for our priests during the weekend Masses of June 25-26, 2022. 

 

A Prayer for Our Priests

Jesus, Eternal High Priest,

you came to us to save us from our sins and to open heaven for us.

Before you died for us, you gave us the holy priesthood and the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

We thank you for our priest, who is your minister to help us grow in holiness and to attain heaven.

We are grateful for the many gifts that he brings to our community:

for leading us together in Eucharistic worship,

for baptizing our children,

for visiting us in our homes,

for comforting us in sickness,

for blessing our marriage,

for forgiving us our sins,

for supporting us in sorrow,

for helping us to grow in faith

for inspiring us to be saints.

We want to always be attentive to our priest, and never to take him for granted.

He needs our friendship and love,

kind words and acts of thoughtfulness,

and our prayers and sacrifices.

Dear Lord, we ask you to bless our priest and confirm him in his vocation.

Give him the gifts that he needs to shepherd us in holiness, strength, and joy.

We offer to you this prayer for our priest,

who is our father, brother, and friend.

Amen.

 

Yours in Christ,

+ Francis I. Malone

   Bishop of Shreveport