Raigarh diocesan Priests chalk out programmes for The Year of Priests

(Aug.18,2009). Priests of the Raigarh Diocese in eastern India’s Chattisgarh State have decided to promote religious vocations during the Year of Priests, besides renewing their personal lives and pastoral ministry. They have also decided to promote at least one candidate each for priesthood. The diocese will also appoint a well-trained priest to promote vocations by animating the youth, holding rallies and organising camps. Most of the priests and the bishop are tribals. In order to be able to render good services to the people and widen the scope of our services, we shall develop contact with different religious groups, NGOs and government organisations, the priests said in a statement. They have planned to promote Small Christian Communities and charismatic renewal programmes to build up the village Christian communities. The priests also decided to celebrate the Day of Priests in every parish.. Besides introducing a special prayer for priests to be recited during Mass throughout the year, they held a special diocesan day in honour of the Patron saint of priests - St.John Mary Vianney .