The Catholic Priest in the Modern World: A Living Martyr for His Faith in the Priesthood

Picture Source

...Consequently, as a society becomes more secularized and materially preoccupied, there will be a corresponding lack of interest in the priesthood. Once flourishing Catholic cultures that have become materially wealthy, become proportionally de-Catholicized and, to coin a term, desacerdotalized. Vocations to the priesthood decrease, as departures from the active priesthood increase. As we might add, naturally.

The modern media in societies like our own are, with rare exception, not friendly to the Catholic priesthood. Or, more accurately, the media are friendly in so far as Catholic bishops and priests do not challenge the secular values of a society—like contraception, sodomy or adultery. But once these values are challenged, the opposition is a plain fact of contemporary history.

However, this is not, in my judgment, the main grounds for claiming that a Catholic priest must expect to live a martyr’s life in the modern world. I believe the main reason is the spread of alien ideas in nominally Catholic circles about what exactly is a priest...

You can read Father John Hardon's article in its entirety here.

Thanks Sue Cifelli.

Two new priests, one year later: Fathers Cabico and Bearis

On the first anniversary of their ordinations, two local men talk about the challenges, the apprehensions, the joys, the mysteries of their new life, what it is like being called “Father,” celebrating Mass, hearing Confessions, anointing the sick, and more

Interview and photos by Anna Weaver | Hawaii Catholic Herald Read it here.

Happy Anniversary, Fr Maurice Cardinal, MS

From the Diocese of Honolulu:

Fr Maurice Cardinal, MS celebrated his 60th anniversary as a priest & his retirement at age 85 at Sacred Heart Hawi on Saturday, June 19th.

Please say a prayer for Father Cardinal or spiritually adopt him.

Text messages to Pope reaches 20,000

Our beloved pope, Pope Benedict XVI


Hey, Hawai'i! Have you ever thought of sending text to our Pope?

This day and age, with technology, communication keeps getting better. The best part of it is, living on a small island doesn't quite bring us Islanders anymore to the feeling of isolation from the entire world.

Rome, through the cyberspace, seems only a few miles away. News about our Holy Father comes to us in just a few minutes; that, for me, is one of the blessings of blogging and having joined Facebook.

Pope Benedict receives 20,000 text messages in support.

Origin of text messaging Pope Benedict XVI.

LAY CATHOLICS LAUNCH EXPANDED WEBSITE TO ENCOURAGE PRIESTS

From Catholics Come Home

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 22, 2010)—The new lay Catholic outreach effort EncouragePriests.org™ has just launched its new interactive and expanded website to support priests. The apostolate launched on Holy Thursday and the new interactive website went live this Father’s Day, June 20, 2010.

The new website comes on the heels of the “Year for Priests” in an effort to extend the Holy Father’s call for the laity to show our love and support for the many holy Catholic priests around the world.

“This audacity of God who entrusts himself to human beings – who, conscious of our weaknesses, nonetheless considers men capable of acting and being present in his stead – this audacity of God is the true grandeur concealed in the word ‘priesthood,’” said Pope Benedict XVI.

Collar-HollerThe mission of EncouragePriests.org™ is to promote vocations and support ordinary men who do extraordinary work as Catholic priests, celebrating Mass and the sacraments, preaching, evangelizing and tirelessly serving the needs of their communities and the world.

On the new EncouragePriests.org™ website, visitors can learn more about the priesthood and vocations through audio, visual and written material on the site and on the blog. People will also find resources to show their gratitude for the priests in their lives through spiritual bouquets, written and video greetings, and short “Collar-Holler℠” e-cards. Encourage Priests™ can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

EncouragePriests.org™ has already been welcomed by priests and lay Catholics around the country. “Great concept…Will be a tremendous help to the morale of priests,” said Bishop Sam Jacobs from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Several Catholics have submitted words of encouragement about their priests, like Rose who said, “He is truly a great priest who is always there for God's people, no matter what. His presence alone is a blessing to his parish and ours. I pray that he stays strong throughout his priesthood to continue to be a great priest.”

Rosary Rally - Ending the Year of the Priests

At 10 o'clock AM today, a group of us gathered in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.  We prayed the Holy Rosary for the intentions of all our priests and in union with other dioceses around the United States, to close out the Year for Priests.

We used Cardinal Carberry's Rosary for priests to pray for priests' special intentions.  That very beautiful rosary can be found here.

Following the Rosary recitation, Father Vince Inghilterra, graciously thanked us on behalf of all the priests, for remembering them and for praying for them.  He asked us to continue praying for all priests.

Father gave us a beautiful blessing and thus ended the Year for Priests in the Diocese of Honolulu.

I do want to thank everyone who attended and especially Cami for making this possible.  She really worked fast in organizing considering the late notice.

Remember:  Pray for our Priests!!

Rosary Rallies for Priests Give Final Flourish to Their Special Year

Have you heard about the Rosary for Priests? People will be gathering on the steps of Cathedrals in many dioceses on June 19 at 10am, to offer a Rosary for priests to commemorate the last day of the Year for Priests. While last Friday was the ceremonial ending, the indulgences are available until June 19. And on top of that, it is Father’s Day weekend — what more fitting time could there be to pray for our spiritual Fathers?

Read the rest here

Of Priests as Witnesses

4,800
views 4,800
views vatican — June 13, 2010 — Pope Benedict XVI renewed his thanks to faithful priests throughout the world today. The Pope was speaking to ... vatican — June 13, 2010 — Pope Benedict XVI renewed his thanks to faithful priests throughout the world today.

The Pope was speaking to the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square to pray the traditional Sunday Angelus with him.

He said he hopes that the figure of holy Curé of Ars, St John Marie Vianney, might continue to provide a nourishing example to priests in their personal conversation with God.

The Pope also recalled the Polish priest and martyr, Father Jerzy Popielusko, who was beatified on June 6 in Warsaw, noting how many works of integral human development arise from the free intitiatives and the witness of priests in every society and in every age.

The Holy Father recalled the beatification this wee ...

Prayer for Innocent, Falsely Accused Priests

Father Vince I. asked if I could share the following with you.  It is so important that we pray for our falsely accused priests.

Could you post this ... asking for prayers for our innocent priests? What a tragedy it is .... when we never hear a call for prayer from our leaders or even a petition or a prayer during Holy Mass for these these who are perhaps the priests closest to Our Lord in their suffering. The prayer was composed by Father Mychal Judge OFM who truly understood in his life what it was to suffer for Christ and who gave his life for those entrusted to his care on September 11th at ground zero.

Picture Source of Priests: These Stone Walls Father Gordon, the blogger on These Stone Walls is one of these priests who needs our prayers.

They cried out, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
Pilate said to them, "I find no guilt in him.
Take him yourselves and crucify him." (John 19)

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God,
falsely and maliciously accused by the mob,
have mercy on us.

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God,
handed over to death by cowardly authority,
have mercy on us.

Jesus Christ, Sun of Justice,
vindicated by your Resurrection,
grant us justice.

Father of Truth,
send the light of your Holy Spirit into the darkness
of every false accusation and unjust condemnation.

Give strength to the innocent to stand firmly in truth,
as you gave to Jesus, in the face of torture and death.

Give courage to church and civil authorities
to grant justice and due process to the innocent,
in the face of the mob.

Father of Mercy,
deliver your innocent ones from evil;
grant them speedy justice and vindication,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Victim and Savior.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on all
innocent victims: the abused and the falsely accused.

(Follow with Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)

* NOTE: Fr. Mychal Judge OFM fought for the vigorous defense of a falsely accused priest in 1988-89. The priest was acquitted when it was shown he'd been framed, and the evidence fabricated. (Ford biography: pp. 120-123).

Public Relations for Catholic Priests? Unique Website to Be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Relations for Catholic Priests? Unique Website to Be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

BOSTON-On June 25th, a unique website which posts thank you letters to priests will be discussed on the live CatholicTV talk show "This is the Day".

The creators of the website (letterstopriests.com) write that the purpose of the site is to "promote positive public relations of Catholic Priests." The website publishes stories written by average citizens (anyone can submit stories) who want to thank the priests who have affected their lives in positive ways. The stories range from a heroic, civil rights activist priest, to a priest who expressed tremendous joy even after being imprisoned and tortured in a Nazi concentration camp.

Matthew Warner, a contributing writer at the National Catholic Register wrote a positive review about the site saying that he liked the idea "Since it involves such a diversity of perspectives it has the potential to be a comprehensive collection of unique insights into the various ways priests benefit the community." Warner also mentioned the tragedy "that a very small percentage of bad priests have given a bad name to so many good ones."

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Anne Hughes will be interviewed on This is the Day on June 25th. She helped to organize Letters to Priests and plans to publish a book which will be a collection of the letters submitted to the website.

Also to be interviewed on This is the Day, will be Liz Abramo, a high school junior from Massachusetts. She will talk about being a Catholic leader amongst her peer group.

Episodes of This is the Day are posted on the site's archives starting the same night of the broadcast day. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the "This is the Day" video archives. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72

CatholicTV broadcasts across the US on Sky Angel channel 142, and selected cable outlets in New England and in Chattanooga (TN) where CatholicTV is available on FiTV channel 153. To find out where to watch CatholicTV visit: http://www.CatholicTV.com/schedule/where-to-watch.aspx

CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network streaming a live feed 24 hours a day at CatholicTV.com. Heeding Pope Benedict XVI's call to greater utilize the power of television and new media, the CatholicTV Network features its cable TV station, Catholic web site, mobile apps and widget. Celebrate Mass online; pray The Rosary; enjoy programs on prayer, the saints, the Scriptures and the Catholic Church on America's Catholic Television Network.

"This is the Day" can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes.com.and SQPN.com The hosts, Director of CatholicTV, Father Robert Reed, and General Manager, Jay Fadden discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.com)

Sister Briege McKenna, a nun with the gift of healing and who ministers ...

Latest Statistics on Priests in Honolulu

Fr. Marc has the details over at his blog

Life on the Rock Brian Flynn, Songs for the Year of Priests

Wonderful interview with a newly ordained priest and a beautiful song for to honor or priests, on this last day of the Year for Priests.

Every Priestly Vocation Passes through the Heart of the Blessed Virgin

We cannot live, we cannot look at the truth about ourselves without letting ourselves be looked at and generated by Christ in daily Eucharistic Adoration, and the Stabat of Mary, "Woman of the Eucharist," beneath her Son's Cross, is the most significant example of contemplation and adoration of the divine Sacrifice that has been given to us. ...

Lastly, the Holy Mother of God remains an indispensable foundation of the whole of priestly life. The relationship with her cannot be resolved in pious devotional practice but is nourished by ceaseless entrustment to the arms of the ever Virgin of the whole of our life, of our ministry in its entirety. Mary Most Holy also leads us, like John, beneath the Cross of her Son and Our Lord in order to contemplate, with her, God's infinite Love: "He who for us is Life itself descended here and endured our death and slew it by the abundance of his Life" (St Augustine, Confessions, IV, 12).

(...) Pope St Pius X said: "Every priestly vocation comes from the heart of God but passes through the heart of a mother." This is true with regard to obvious biological motherhood but it is also true of the "birth" of every form of fidelity to the Vocation of Christ. We cannot do without a spiritual motherhood for our priestly life: Let us entrust ourselves confidently to the prayer of the whole of Holy Mother Church, to the motherhood of the People, whose pastors we are but to whom are entrusted our custody and holiness; let us ask for this fundamental support.



Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's Message on the
Day of Prayer for Priests for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
May 30, 2008

Source. Thanks Brother John Samaha!

Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko - Polish Priest and Martyr

A God Who Feels Compassion

Clerics gather in Rome for closing celebrations of the Year for Priests

Catholic priests from all around the world are gathering in Rome this week, at the invitation of Pope Benedict XVI, for the closing events of the Year for Priests.

The 3-day celebration begins on Wednesday, June 9, with a meditation on the priesthood by Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne, Germany, in the basilica of St. Paul-Outsid-the-Walls. After a period of Eucharistic adoration in that basilica, Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, will preside at a Mass there. Archbishop Mauro Piacenza, the secretary of the same Congregation, will preside at another Mass in the basilica of St. John Lateran.

On Thursday, June 10, the schedule will be similar, with Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec preaching at St. Paul-Outsid-the-Walls and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State, presiding at Mass there. Archbishop Robert Sarah, the secretary of the Congregation for Evangelization, will preside at the Mass in St. John Lateran. On both days, the meditations preached in the basilica of St. Paul will be relayed by video to St. John Lateran. Both basilicas are being used to allow the maximum number of priests to participate.

On Thursday evening the priests will gather in St. Peter's Square for a vigil or prayer and witness, Eucharistic adoration, and a discussion with Pope Benedict. This even will be simulcast to audiences in Jerusalem, Buenos Aires, Hollywood, and Ars, France-- where pilgrims will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the patron of priests.

On Friday, June 11, which is the feast of the Sacred Heart, Pope Benedict will preside at a Mass in St. Peter's Square to close the Year for Priests. During that Eucharistic celebration the Pope will lead all the priests in renewing their vows.

Source: Catholic Culture

VIS News: Programme of Events for Closure of Year

Prayer Request for Father Gordon

Please keep Father Gordon in your prayers for a special intention.   Mass has been offered for his intentions yesterday and today at Sts. Peter and Paul Church.

Happy Anniversary Father Dave Travers!

Forty-two years ago today, Father David Travers was ordained a Jesuit priest in Massachusetts.

Thank you Father Dave for answering the call to the priesthood.

First Thursday - Plenary Indulgence

A reminder from Father Z. Thank you Father!
BTW, I will also take the time to remind those of you in the Diocese of Honolulu, that there will be adoration, procession and Mass to close the Year of the Priest, tomorrow, Thursday, June 3rd, at the Co-Cathedral. The event starts at 5pm. Confession will be available that evening prior to Mass.

Remember! The final 1st Thursday in Year for Priests.
In this year dedicated to priests and prayer for priests, Holy Church has provided lay people with a special plenary indulgence on first Thursdays of each month.

For the faithful, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on the opening and closing days of the Year for Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean-Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.

To obtain the indulgence the faithful must attend Mass in an oratory or Church and offer prayers to "Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to his heart."

The conditions for the faithful for earning a plenary indulgence are to have gone to confession and prayed for the intentions designated by the Pope.

This is the last 1st Thursday in the Year for Priests. The last opportunity for this indulgence with be the final day of the Year for Priests.