priest

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Your teaching and example, willed to pass the greater part of Your life humbly and in subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian Families, graciously take to Yourself our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to You this day. Defend us, guard us, and establish among us Your holy fear, true peace, and harmony in Christian love; in order that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Your family all of us without exception may be able to attain to eternal happiness.  Mary dear Mother of Jesus and our Mother, by your kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.  O saint Joseph, most holy Guardian of Jesus and Mary, help us by your prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be...

MANILA, Jan. 15, 2012—The Feast of the Señor Sto. Niño usually brings to fore the role of children in the life of the Church. But according to a Church official, the feast of the Holy Child Jesus also highlights the responsibility of parents to seriously shape their children’s spirituality. Citing the story of Jesus when he was lost in the temple, Fr. Conegundo Garganta said the Holy Child’s ability to speak and converse with the elders at the age of 12 signifies the successful rearing of Mary and Joseph of the Son of God. “At an early age, Jesus made himself fully aware of the true plan of God for him. He was sitting with the elders doing his ministry very early,” he said. “He wouldn’t be filled with that much wisdom if not for the rearing of his parents, Mary and Joseph. This is why the feast of Sto. Niño also highlights parents’ role in shaping their children’s spirituality,” he added. Garganta, the executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, nevertheless ur...

A Prayer For Our Priests (Southwark Laity Commission, 1993) Heavenly Father, grant that our priests be strengthened and healed by the power of the Eucharist they celebrate. May the Word they proclaim give them courage and wisdom. We pray that all those whom they seek to serve may see in them the love and care of Jesus, our Eternal High Priest, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen Mary, Mother of the Church, Look tenderly upon your sons, our priests. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church, pray for us all.