# A rosary for priests: the joyful mysteries
*2015-07-27*

> Bill Young reflects on the life of Blessed Antonio Lucci and leads a recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, offering specific intentions for the priesthood.

## The Life of Blessed Antonio Lucci

Today is Monday, July 27th, the feast day of Blessed Antonio Lucci. Born in Agnone in southern Italy—a city famous for its copper crafts and bell manufacturing—Antonio was given the name Angelo at baptism. He attended a local school run by the Conventual Franciscans and joined their order at age 16. After completing his studies for the priesthood in Assisi, he was ordained in 1705.

His academic pursuits led to a doctorate in theology and a teaching appointment in Naples, where he also served as a guardian. In 1718, he was elected Minister Provincial, and the following year he became a professor at St. Bonaventure College in Rome. He held this position until Pope Benedict XIII appointed him bishop in 1729, describing him as an eminent theologian and a great saint.

## Intentions for the Priesthood

Today we continue our rosary for priests. We pray for all the priests who assist us during Mass, those who hear our confessions, and those who bring us the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. We also pray specifically for our bishop from Rome, Pope Francis, as he visits the United States.

## The First and Second Joyful Mysteries

In the First Joyful Mystery, the Annunciation, we reflect on the Word made flesh. We pray for all priests who daily bring us the Body and Blood of Christ through their words and consecrations at Mass. We also pray for seminarians currently in formation, that they may be safe from physical and spiritual harm, for future generations of priests, and that current priests may treasure the gift of celibacy.

In the Second Joyful Mystery, the Visitation, we remember Mary as the living tabernacle. We pray especially for priests who bring Holy Communion to the sick, the shut-ins, and the dying via Viaticum, as well as those who minister to the sick through counseling and comfort.

## The Third and Fourth Joyful Mysteries

The Third Joyful Mystery is the Nativity of Jesus. We pray that all seminarians grow in the knowledge and love of God to become holy priests. We pray for those soon to be ordained, that they may remain faithful to the sublime privilege of being 'another Christ' among us. We ask that everyone come to value the Eucharist and the priesthood as among God's greatest gifts, and that every priest may feel himself a member of the Holy Family—a son of Mary and Joseph and a brother priest to Jesus, the Great High Priest.

In the Fourth Joyful Mystery, the Presentation in the Temple, we thank God for priests who, like Simeon, have given decades of faithful service and self-sacrifice. We also pray for those priests whose hearts are pierced by loneliness, depression, and rejection.

## The Fifth Joyful Mystery

The Fifth Joyful Mystery is the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. We pray that priests will always be found doing their Father's business and will remain obedient to the teaching and magisterium of the Church, our Holy Father Pope Francis, and the bishops in communion with him. We pray for young priests, that the love and dedication they feel in their first years may increase over time, and for all priests who teach the faith to children and adults.

*We are called to support our priests through prayer, recognizing them as essential gifts who bring us the Eucharist and the mercy of God.*