Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 

The invitation from the heart of Christ, “learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” The intention of prayer, looking to the heart of Christ, the High Priest, is to pray for the sanctification of priests.

Saint Peter Julian gave priority to the ministry of priests. The French Revolution had decimated the clergy, leaving them without the fire of faith. He intended to reignite hearts to burn with love for the Eucharist. With words of encouragement to be joyful in prayer and one with God, it was simply time to rest in the divine goodness.

Aware of times of dryness in prayer, he would draw water from the well of hope. In the prayer of the soul’s suffering, the suffering itself becomes the prayer. (Paris, August 27, 1867).

Prayer is a profound act of love. Christ’s heart, flaming with love, invites one to enter the burning desire of sanctification. The union of hearts becomes a bond of Love. The Holy Spirit feeds the flame of prayer. The Rule of Life observes how the action of the Spirit ceaselessly renews the life of the Church. (ROL #41)

Let us pray:

God, please give your Church many more priests after your own heart today. May they be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of your grace in the sacraments. May their loving devotion to your Son Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary his Mother be the twin fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen. (Prayer by Saint John Marie Vianney)