Prayer for Priests

“The priest is not for himself; he is for you. Pray much for priests, for they need to be holy to make you holy.” — St. John Vianney

Public Domain: Procession in the Old Catholic Church in The Hague (1881) by Isaac Israels via The Rijksmuseum.

The Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you offered yourself to the Father on the altar of the cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in your redeeming sacrifice. Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests. Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to you, the Divine Master. May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience. Let them be shepherds according to your own heart, single-minded in service to you and to the Church, and shining examples of a holy, simple, and joyful life. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

About This Prayer

This “Prayer for Priests” was written by Pope Benedict XVI on May 3, 2008. It beautifully expresses the Church’s desire for the sanctification of her priests, who act in the person of Christ, the Eternal High Priest. The prayer reflects Benedict’s deep theology of the priesthood—centered on conformity to Christ, holiness of life, and faithful service to the Church. It invites the faithful to pray that priests may lead with compassion, simplicity, and joy, strengthened by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

When To Pray

This prayer may be offered anytime for priests and seminarians, but it is especially fitting on Holy Thursday, the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests (June 16), during Ordinations, and whenever a priest is celebrating an anniversary or in need of encouragement. It can also be used privately as a daily or weekly intercession for parish priests and spiritual directors.