I have two thoughts on this. First, Deo gratias! Second, it’s about time! We need our priests, and they need our prayers, and that reciprocal need has not been so keenly felt in a long, long time. The full announcement from the Vatican is here.
Benedict XVI highlighted the “indispensable struggle for moral perfection which must dwell in every truly priestly heart. In order to favour this tendency of priests towards spiritual perfection, upon which the effectiveness of their ministry principally depends, I have”, he said, “decided to call a special ‘Year for Priests’ which will run from 19 June 2009 to 19 June 2010″. This year marks “the 150th anniversary of the death of the saintly ‘Cure of Ars’, Jean Marie Vianney, a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ’s flock”.
This comes immediately on the heels of the Year of St. Paul. I think that makes a very interesting compare and contrast exercise, but even more so that it strengthens different parts of the priestly identity. Thank you, Holy Father. Let us always pray for our Priests!
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I was very pleased to hear this news. I agree that this is not only a good idea, but one overdue in light of the “Spirit of Vatican II (we’ve never actually read the documents, however)” crowd and their complete misunderstanding of the very real differences between the ordained priesthood and the priesthood of the faithful.
St. John Marie Vianney, ora pro nobis.
What I’m really hoping for out of this is a pastoral letter outlining just that, and something that’s more readable than Pastores Dabo Vobis. It’s so long and intricate most people haven’t even read and many don’t even know it exists.
Every year in RCIA I get asked about the priesthood and comparing it with the common priesthood of the people. Having something “recent” and targeted would be most helpful. And I’d be the first one to offer any help possible in setting up presentations on the issue.