Said on Mondays and Saturdays,
the Sundays of Advent,
and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent.
The Annunciation
“And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you… Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’” (Lk 1:28, 30)
The Angel Gabriel announces to Mary, a virgin, that she will become the Mother of God, Word made Flesh. For all centuries to come, Jesus will become flesh in the Holy Eucharist to nourish us in a most intimate union with Him.
We pray for all priests who daily, through the words of the consecration at Mass, and through Holy Communion, bring us the Body and Blood of Christ. We pray for all future priests now being formed in the wombs of their mothers, that they may be safe from physical and spiritual harm, and come to Ordination as God intends. We pray for all future generations of priests. We pray also that priests may treasure the gift of celibacy.
The Visitation
“And Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’” (Lk 1:41-42)
Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who recognizes Mary as the living tabernacle for their Divine Lord.
We pray especially for priests who bring Holy Communion tothe sick, the shut-ins, and Viaticum to the dying. We pray for all priests who minister to the sick in other ways,counsel, comfort and console them.
The Nativity
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Lk 2:7)
Jesus is born in Bethlehem. The angels announce His birth; kings and shepherds come to adore Him.
We pray that all seminarians grow in knowledge and love of God to become holy priests. We pray especially for those who will be ordained soon, that they may remain faithful all their lives to the sublime privilege of being “other Christs” among us. We pray that everyone will come to value the Eucharistic Feast and the Priesthood as among God’s greatest gifts to us. We pray that every priest will consider himself a member of the Holy Family, a true son of Mary and Joseph, and a brother-priest of Jesus, the great High Priest.
The Presentation
“When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Lk 2:22)
Mary and Joseph, in obedience to the Law, bring Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. Simeon expresses his gratitude to God for revealing the Messias to him beforehe dies.
We thank God for all priests who, like Simeon, have given us decades of faithful service. We pray that they may be rewarded for their generosity and self-sacrifice. We pray also for all priests whose hearts are pierced by loneliness, depression and rejection.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
“After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.” (Lk 2:46)
Jesus is found among the teachers in the temple; Hereturns home and is obedient to Mary and Joseph.
We pray that priests will always be found going about their Father’s business, and will be obedient to the teaching magisterium of the Church, our Holy Father and the bishops in communion with him. We pray for all young priests that the love and dedication they experience in the first years of their priesthood may increase with time. We pray for all priests who teach the Faith to children and adults.