Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Last Friday, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
– a day traditionally devoted to prayer for the sanctification of priests – marked
the beginning of the Year for Priests commemorating the sesquicentennial of the death
of the Curé of Ars, Saint John Mary Vianney, patron of parish priests. The Pauline
Year now ending and the current Year for Priests invite us to consider how the Apostle
Paul and the humble Curé of Ars both identified themselves completely with their ministry,
striving to live in constant communion with Christ. May this Year for Priests help
all priests to grow towards the spiritual perfection essential to the effectiveness
of their ministry, and enable the faithful to appreciate more fully the great gift
of grace which the priesthood is: for priests themselves, for the Church and for our
world. Configured to Christ in the sacrament of Holy Orders, the priest is called
to become an alter Christus, “another Christ”. His personal union with the Lord must
thus unify every aspect of his life and activity. During this Year for Priests, let
us entrust all priests to Mary, Mother of the Church, and pray that they will grow
in fidelity to their mission to be living signs of Christ’s presence and infinite
mercy. * * * I offer a warm welcome to the English-speaking visitors present
at today’s Audience, especially those from Norway, Sweden, Malawi, South Africa, Indonesia
and the United States. My particular greeting goes to the Catholic educators participating
in the annual Rome Seminar sponsored by the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas. I also greet
the many student groups present. Upon all of you I invoke God’s blessings of joy
and peace!