From the Director
The “Year for Priests” began on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19 just past. It will continue to the same feast in 2010. Pope Benedict XVI wants to highlight the role of the priest in God’s plan for salvation through the Church. He has especially called attention to Saint John Vianney, formerly the patron saint of parish priests only, but now to be the patron saint of all priests.
St. John, also known as the Cure of Ars, pastor of the parish church of Ars in France, offers a model of priestly holiness and service that has inspired many priests since his death 150 years ago. The “Year for Priests” is intended to deepen the commitment of priests to be renewed in their spiritual lives and to give a greater Gospel witness to the world.
I think of the holy, dedicated priests that I have known since my early years and I thank God for them. It is the priestly ideal lived out according to the mind and heart of the Church that makes the most direct effects on lives, especially on those whom the Lord is Himself calling to the priesthood.
Please include in your daily prayers the grave need we have in the Diocese of Shreveport for priests (as well as religious). The Lord is always calling a sufficient number of young men; our prayers are that they respond to grace and answer that call.
Fr. David Richter, Director of Vocations and Vicar General
2008 Diocese of Shreveport