In his message of 12 Mar 2010, our Holy Father said "..."it is important clearly to bear in mind the theological specificity of ordained ministry, in order not to surrender to the temptation of reducing it to predominant cultural models.Read the rest over at Ed's blog
O glorious Saint Joseph,
who, on the word of the angel
speaking to you in the night,
put fear aside to take your Virgin Bride into your home,
show yourself today the advocate and protector of priests.
Protector of the Infant Christ,
defend them against every attack of the enemy,
preserve them from the dangers that surround them
on every side.
Remember Herod's threats against the Child,
the anguish of the flight into Egypt by night,
and the hardships of your exile.
Stand by the accused;
stretch out your hand to those who have fallen;
comfort the fearful;
forsake not the weak;
and visit the lonely.
Let all priests know that in you
God has given them a model
of faith in the night, obedience in adversity,
chastity in tenderness, and hope in uncertainty.
You are the terror of demons
and the healer of those wounded in spiritual combat.
Come to the defence of every priest in need;
overcome evil with good.
Where there are curses, put blessings,
where harm has been done, do good.
Let there be joy for the priests of the Church,
and peace for all under your gracious protection.
Amen.
Preparation of oils
Blessing of the oils
Communion
Leavetaking
The priesthood is a gift from God, and thus it cannot be claimed as a right, says the secretary of the Congregation for Clergy.Read the rest of the Zenit article here
..."Fr. Merrifield was assigned to the Jesuit Community, Honolulu, Hawai‘i in 2003. He served the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community, the Newman Center at U.H./Manoa, the Hispanic Community in Kalihi and Prison Ministry. With his extensive academic and administrative background, he was welcomed to the Board of Governors of Chaminade University.Read the article in its entirety over at Father Marc's Blog
Shortly after his arrival in Hawaii, he took up the ministry of bringing breakfast to the homeless in Ala Moana Park twice a week. Using his own funds and gifts from friends he quietly served some 30 homeless people whom he befriended. As he walked the park with his brother Peter, a long time O‘ahu resident, he got to know their stories. He served in such an unassuming manner that most had no idea that he was a Catholic priest. As his health declined, others came to assist him especially from the Manoa-Punahou Catholic Community and students from the Newman Center at U.H/Manoa. What started as a small outreach has now grown to some 365 people being fed each week in several of our local parks. A great legacy of service. A few years ago, this ministry was named in his honor—Fr. Don’s Breakfast Club.” This he said touched his heart more than any honor he had ever received...
Read the rest here"...Why is it that today the priestly life -- which has made thousands of men happy and contributed enormously to the spiritual growth of humanity -- is going through such a profound qualitative crisis?..."
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 26, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The director of L'Osservatore Romano is pointing out the ways in which Benedict XVI is close to his people, fulfilling his role as pastor, especially to priests and seminarians.Read the rest here.
