# Prayer for Priests by Cardinal Mundelein
*2015-08-05*

> Bill Young reflects on St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, and shares a heartfelt prayer for priests composed by Cardinal Mundelein.

## St. John Vianney, patron saint of priests

Good morning, this is Bill Young. Today, August 5th, we celebrate St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests. He overcame a limited formal education to become a great pastor, showing us that vision and perseverance can achieve what seems impossible.

## A prayer for priests

Now I’d like to share a prayer for priests written by Cardinal Mundelein:

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the faithful priests, your holy and high priests. In your love, have mercy on our ministers. Remember that they are weak and fragile creatures; keep alive in them the fire of your love. Keep them united to you so that the enemy may not prevail against them, and may they never be unworthy of their sublime calling.

Lord Jesus, I pray for your faithful and devoted pastors: for those nearby, for those far away on missions, for those suffering from solitude and disillusion, for young pastors, for old pastors, for those who are ill, for the dying, and for the souls of pastors in purgatory. I especially commend to you the priests who baptized me, absolved me, and celebrated Mass for me, the priests who have given me your Body and Blood in Holy Communion. May they be kept close to your heart and receive great graces in this life and eternity.

## A wish for St. Mary’s Basilica

Today also marks the celebration of St. Mary’s Basilica in Rome. I pray that all the priests serving there may be blessed, and I hope one day to visit that holy place myself.

*May our priests be strengthened by God’s love and remain faithful witnesses of Christ.*