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At this time, as we pray for “profound parish
renewal” and for the blessings of
God on Called to Holiness and
Mission: Pastoral Planning in the
Diocese of Scranton, prayer
for priests is urgently needed. It
is my hope that the faithful of
every parish will attend Mass and,
if possible, make a Holy Hour on the
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
in fulfillment of this need. Those
who are homebound, in assisted
living or nursing homes and those
unable to attend Church are also
asked to pray for our priests
according to their circumstances.
Throughout the year I gather with
our priests for Days of
Sanctification. These days consist
of conferences, an extended Holy
Hour and an opportunity to receive
the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It
is my hope that when diocesan Days
of Sanctification are scheduled
throughout the Diocese in the
future, the faithful will likewise
gather for prayer in support of
their priests on these days or the
day before. Various parish societies
and prayer groups are urged to
implement this effort.
When praying for priests, I suggest
in particular the use of the Litany
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the
Rosary. In addition, the following
prayer, which was composed by Pope
John Paul II and includes a plea for
vocations, is proposed for your
consideration.
“O Jesus, Good Shepherd, bring forth
in all parish communities priests,
deacons and religious, consecrated
and lay missionaries, according to
the needs of the entire world that
you love and want to save.
“We entrust to you in particular our
community; create in us the
spiritual climate of the first
Christians, so that we may be able
to be an upper room of prayer in
loving reception of the Holy Spirit
and his gifts.
“Assist our pastors and all
consecrated persons. Guide the ways
of those that have generously
accepted your call and are preparing
themselves for sacred orders or for
the profession of the evangelical
counsels.
“Turn your loving gaze toward many
well disposed young people and call
them to follow you. Help them to
understand that they can only
realize themselves fully in you.
“In trusting these great interests
of your Heart to the powerful
intercession of Mary, mother and
model of all vocations, we implore
you to sustain our faith in the
certainty that the Father will hear
those whom you yourself have
commanded to ask. Amen.”
Knowing that the Religious and laity
of our Diocese are united in prayer
for their intentions will be a
source of strength and consolation
for our priests and for me. Letting
our priests know that you are
praying for them will encourage them
just as your fervent petitions for
them will bless them and their
ministry.
Grateful and with every good wish, I
am,
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, D.D.,
Hist. E.D.
Bishop of Scranton
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