A Rosary For Priests

Rosary for Priests The Holy Eucharist is totally dependent on the priesthood – no priesthood, no Eucharistic Sacrifice, no Holy Communion, no Eucharistic Adoration.

How To Pray The Rosary
 1.    Prior to beginning the Rosary, the following prayers maybe said: “Totally Yours” and “Memorare.”
2.    Say the “Prayer Before the Rosary.”
3.    Start the Rosary by making the “Sign of the Cross.”
4.    Recite the “Apostles Creed.”
5.    Say one “Our Father.”
6.    Say three “Hail Marys” (for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity).
7.    Say one “Glory Be.”
8.    Announce the First Mystery; then say the “Our Father.”
9.    Say ten “Hail Marys,” while meditating on the Mystery.
10.  Say the “Glory Be.”
11.  Say the “Fatima Prayer” after each decade; then say “Prayer for Priests”.
12.  Announce the Second Mystery; then say the “Our Father.” Repeat steps 9-11 and continue with Third, Fourth and Fifth Mysteries (through the Twenty Mystery,if desired) in the same manner.
13.  After completion of five mysteries (5 decades), or 15 or 20, the following is customarily said: “Hail Holy Queen”and “Prayer After the Rosary.”
14.  After completion of the “Prayer After the Rosary,” the following prayers may be said: “Prayer to Saint Joseph,” “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel,” “Prayer to Saint Benedict,” “Prayer to Saint Gertrude the Great,” “Prayer for Priests,” “Prayer for Priestly Vocations” and “Prayer for the Intentions of the Holy Father.”

The Mysteries of the Rosary
All four (4) Mysteries of the Rosary may be prayed at once or divided throughout the week.

The Joyful Mysteries
Said on Mondays and Saturdays,
the Sundays of Advent,
and Sundays from Epiphany until Lent.

The Luminous Mysteries
Said on Thursdays.

The Sorrowful Mysteries
Said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year;
and daily from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday.

The Glorious Mysteries
Said on Wednesdays,
and the Sundays from Easter until Advent.

 

Prayers in Preparation for Rosary

Totally Yours
Immaculate Conception, Mary, my Mother. Live in me. Act in me. Speak in and through me. Think your thoughts in my mind. Love, through my heart. Give me your dispositions and feelings. Teach, leadand guide me to Jesus. Correct, enlighten and expand my thoughts and behavior. Possess mysoul. Take over my entire personality and life. Replace it with yourself. Incline me to constantadoration and thanksgiving. Pray in me and through me. Let me live in you and keep me in this union always. Amen. (- Pope John Paul II)

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Oh Most Gracious Mother, intercede for us to the Master of the Harvest to send laborers; priests to minister the Sacraments of the Church and consecrated women and men to give profound witness to the Paschal Mystery of your Son for the whole world.

Prayer Before the Rosary
Queen of the Holy Rosary, you have deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary. Inspire my heart with a sincere love of thisdevotion, in order that by meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption which are recalled in it, I may be enriched with its fruits and obtain peacefor the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, and the favor which I ask of you in the Rosary. (Here mention your request.) I ask it forthe greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of souls, especially for my own. Amen.

The Prayers of the Rosary

Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

The Our Father
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Fatima Prayer
Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

The Prayer for Priests
Said after every decade of the rosary. (after the “Fatima Prayer”)

All for the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, All for the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, All in Union with St. Joseph. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyesof mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary!

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, Whose, only-begotten Son, by His Life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us therewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating upon these Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen.
And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A Priest’s Prayer
Loving Father, I praise you, I love you, I adore you. Send your Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind to the truth of your Son, Jesus, Priest and Victim. Through the same Spirit guide my heart to his Sacred Heart, to renew in me a priestly passion that I, too, might lay down my life upon the altar. May your Spirit wash away my impurities and free me from all my transgressions in the Cup of Salvation, Let only your will be done in me. May the Blessed Mother of your dearly beloved Son, wrap her mantle around me and protect me from all evil. May she guide me to do whatever He tells me. May she teach me to have the heart of St. Joseph, her spouse, to protect and care for my bride. And may her pierced heart inspire meto embrace as my own your children who suffer at the foot of the cross. I humbly cry to her: please be my consoling mother, and help me to be a better son. Lord, make me a holy priest, inflamed with the fire of your love, seeking nothingbut your greater glory and the salvation of souls. I humbly bless and thank you, my Father, through the Spirit, in Christ Jesus, your Son and my brother. Amen.

O Mary, Queen of priests, pray for us.
Saint John Vianney, pray for us.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercyon us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most lovable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honour, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comfort of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Families, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

From the Purification to Easter and after Pentecost:
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Grant that we thy servants, Lord,may enjoy unfailing health of mind and body, and through the prayers of the ever Blessed Virgin Mary in her glory, free us from our sorrows in this world and give us eternal happiness in the next. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

During Advent:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may, by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Christmas to the Purification:
After childbirth thou didst remain a pure Virgin. Intercede for us, O Mother of God.
Let us pray:
O God, who, by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary, hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may experience her intercession for us, through whom we have deserved to receive the Author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

In Paschal Time:
Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. For the Lord hath risen indeed, alleluia.
Let us pray:
O God, who didst vouchsafe to give joy to the world through the Resurrection of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ: grant, we beseech Thee, that, through His Mother, the Virgin Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany For Priests
The Holy Father, fill him with courage and grace, Lord.
Cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, give them a shepherd’s heart, Lord.
Diocesan priests, fill them with your Spirit, Lord.

Priests in religious orders, perfect them in their call, Lord.
Priests who are ill, heal them, Lord.
Priests who are in danger, deliver them, Lord.
Priests who are weak, strengthen them, Lord.
Priests who are poor, relieve them, Lord.
Priests who have lost their zeal, renew them, Lord.
Priests who are sad, console them, Lord.
Priests who are worried, give them peace, Lord.
Priests who are old, sustain them, Lord.
Priests who are alone, accompany them, Lord.
Missionary priests, protect them, Lord.
Priests who are preachers, enlighten them, Lord.
Priests who direct souls, instruct them, Lord.
Priests and religious who have died, bring them to glory, Lord.

For all priests, give them Your wisdom and knowledge.
For all priests, give them Your understanding and counsel.
For all priests, give them reverence and awe of You.
For all priests, give them patience and love.
For all priests, give them obedience and kindness.
For all priests, give them a burning zeal for souls.
For all priests, give them virtues of faith, hope and love.
For all priests, give them an intense love for the Eucharist.
For all priests, give them loyalty to the Holy Father and their Bishops in communion with him.
For all priests, give them respect for life and human dignity.
For all priests, give them integrity and justice.
For all priests, give them humility and generosity.
For all priests, give them strength in their labors.
For all priests, give them peace in their sufferings.
For all priests, give them great love for the Trinity.
For all priests, give them great love for Mary.
For all priests, let them be the light of Christ.
For all priests, let them be the salt of the earth.
For all priests, let them practice sacrifice and self-denial.
For all priests, let them be holy in body, mind and spirit.
For all priests, let them be men of prayer.
For all priests, may faith shine forth in them.
For all priests, may they be concerned for our salvation.
For all priests, may they be faithful to their priestly vocation.
For all priests, may their hands bless and heal.
For all priests, may they burn with love for you.
For all priests, may all their steps be for the glory of God.
For all priests, may the Holy Spirit fill them, and give them His gifts in abundance.

Let us pray: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, hear the prayers we offer for our priests. Let them know clearly the work that You are calling them to do. Grant them every grace to answer Your call with courage, love, and lasting dedication to Your will. We ask Mary’s intercession as their loving mother. Amen.

Dear Lord,we pray that the Blessed Mother wrap her mantle around your priests, and through her intercession strengthen them for their ministry. We pray that Mary will guide your priests to follow her own words, “Do whatever He tells you.” (Jn 2:5) May your priests have the heart of St. Joseph, Mary’s most chaste spouse. May the Blessed Mother’s own pierced heart inspire them to embrace all who suffer at the foot of the cross. May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory and the salvation of souls. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us.

Additional Prayers

Prayer to Saint Joseph
Prescribed by HH. Pope Leo XIII, for the month of October,after the recitation of the Rosary.
To thee, O blessed Joseph, we fly in our tribulation and after imploring the help of thy holy Spouse, with confidence we ask also for thy intercession. By the affection which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by the paternal love with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, we beseech thee to look kindly upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ acquired by His precious blood, and with thy powerful aid to help us in our needs. Protect, most careful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen people of Jesus Christ. Keep us, loving father, from all pestilence of error and corruption. From thy place in heaven be thou mercifully with us, most powerful protector, in this warfare with the powers of darkness; and, as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent danger of death, so now defend the holy Church of God from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Guard each of us by thy constant patronage, so that, sustained by thy example and help, we may live a holy life, die a holy death, and obtain the everlasting happiness of heaven. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Benedict
Glorious Saint Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God’s grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet. I implore you in your loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and to my neighbor. Inspire me to imitate you in all things. May your blessing be with me always, so that I may see and serve Christ in others and work for His kingdom. Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces which I need so much in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Your heart was always full of love, compassion and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. You never dismissed without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to you. I therefore invoke your powerful intercession, confident in hope that you will hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I earnestly implore. (mention your petition) Help me, great Saint Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to run in the sweetness of His loving will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Gertrude the Great
St. Gertrude the Great is invoked for souls in purgatory and for living sinners. Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that the following prayer would release 1,000 souls from purgatory each time it is said. The prayer was extended to living sinners as well.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

Prayer for Priests
O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear my humble prayers on behalf of Thy priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life. In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them. In their frustrations, point out tothem that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church; they are needed by souls; they are needed for the work of redemption.O Loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, take to your heart your sons who are close to you because of their priestly ordination and because of the power which they have received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs them so much. Be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength, and especially help them to live and to defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy. Amen. (- John J. Cardinal Carberry)

Prayer for Priestly Vocations
O God, we earnestly beseech Thee to bless Thy Church with many vocations to the Holy priesthood: men who will serve Thee with their whole strength and gladly spend their lives for Thy Church, and to make Thee known and loved. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Priests, obtain for us many holy priests.

Prayer for the Intentions of the Holy Father
One “Our Father..”
One “Hail Mary..”
One “Glory Be..”


The Glorious Mysteries

Said on Wednesdays,
and the Sundays from Easter until Advent.

The Resurrection

“Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.’” (Mt 28:5b-6)

Jesus arises from the dead and appears to the Apostles.

At times, priests may suffer from depression and despair that plague them when they see so little from their labors. We pray that priests will remember: the Crucifixion is followed by the Resurrection; darkness is always followed by Light. We pray that the crucifixion of their wills may accomplish God’s designs for the salvation of the whole world. We pray that all priests may share the joy of the Risen Christ.

The Ascension

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.”(Mk 16:19)

Jesus instructs His Apostles and returns to His Father in Heaven.

We pray that priests may carry out Jesus’ instructions to evangelize the whole world, instructing and baptizing countless souls. We pray for missionaries who live lives of utter poverty and deprivation to bring the Gospel to all the people.

The Descent of theHoly Spirit

“There came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind. … There appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:2, 4)

The Holy Spirit comes down upon the Apostles, who are gathered with Mary.

We pray that priests may be open to the graces of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them for the task of bringing souls to God and God to souls. We pray that they may be on fire to convert the most hardened sinners, and to bring God’s love to the whole world.

The Assumption

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; / my spirit rejoices in God my savior… / all ages [will] call me blessed. / The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” (Lk 1:46-49)

Mary is taken, body and soul, to Heaven. While she was on earth, she loved and prayed for the Apostles, the first priests.

We pray that priests will be devoted to Mary and find in her the love and comfort of a mother, the most powerful intercession of our greatest Saint, and the surest refuge against Satan and his cohorts who seek destruction of priests and the priesthood.

The Coronation

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev 12:1)

Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and earth; she is rewarded for her faithfulness to God.

We pray that Mary, Queen of the Clergy, will be their model of faith and joy, and constant guide until they reach Heaven where a crown, jeweled with the many souls entrusted to them on the day of Ordination, will be their reward for faithful and loving service.


The Sorrowful Mysteries

Said on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year;
and daily from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday.

The Agony in the Garden

“His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.” (Lk 22:44-45)

The Apostles fall asleep; Jesus sweats blood at the thought of His coming passion and death; angels come to comfort Him.

We pray that all priests who are suffering and on the way to Calvary may be comforted by God’s presence; those who have betrayed or denied the Faith through weakness may repent and return to the warmth of God’s love. We pray that all priests may live only to do our Father’s will,as Jesus always did.

The Scourging at the Pillar

“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.” (Mk 15:15)

Jesus is cruelly scourged and beaten by the soldiers.

We pray for priests who are persecuted, physically or mentally abused; those who are imprisoned or prevented from offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass or receiving Holy Communion. We pray for those priests living under Communist oppression.

The Crowning with Thorns

“And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And they struck him repeatedly.” (Jn 19:2-3)

Jesus is mocked as king and His precious Head is cruelly pierced by thorns.

We pray for priests who suffer for defending authentic Catholic doctrine. We pray that all Bishops will uphold the true teachings of the Catholic Church and resist temptations to compromise doctrine in the face of cultural and social pressures.

The Carrying of the Cross

“So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.” (Jn 19:16-17)

Bruised, bleeding and exhausted Jesus is forced to drag Himself and His cross up the hill of Calvary.

We pray for all priests with heavy crosses; those who are weak, lonely, or have fallen from God’s grace in some way. We pray for the Holy Father, who perhaps has the heaviest of crosses: the widespread persecution and abandonment of the Church from within and without.

The Crucifixion

“Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit;’ and when he had said this he breathed his last.” (Lk 23:46)

Jesus sheds His last drops of Precious Blood to redeem us from sin and death.

We pray for all priests who are in their last agony and those who will die today. We pray for those who thirst for the salvation of souls. We pray that the crucifixion of their wills may accomplish God’s designs for the salvation of the whole world. We pray that priests may take Mary into their hearts, as St.John the Apostle, one of the first priests, took Mary into his home.


The Luminous Mysteries

Said on Thursdays.

The Baptism in the Jordan

“[Jesus] came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened … and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove … coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Mt 3:16-17)

Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became “sin” for our sake (2 Corinthians 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares him the beloved Son (Matthew 3:17), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out.

We pray for all priests; that they be lifted up and strengthened by the Holy Spirit for their public ministry. We pray that priests always are assured of God’s permanent relationship with His people and celebrate in gratitude for the gift of faith.

The Wedding at Cana

“Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” (Jn 2:11)

The first of the signs, given at Cana (John 2:1-12), whenChrist changes water into wine and opens the hearts of thedisciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, thefirst among believers.

We pray that just as Mary was there at the beginning of Her Son’s public ministry; that all priests are assured and hold in their hearts the fact that She remains for all time for all priests as their special intercessor and guide. We pray that priests are always reminded and guided by the image of Mary’s fidelity to Her Son and Jesus’ fidelity to Her.

The Proclamation of the Kingdom

“After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.’” (Mk 1:14-15)

Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (Mark 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (Mark 2:3-13; Luke7:47-48): the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (John 20:22-23).

We pray that all priests are blessed by this call to conversionand inspired by the graces they receive to live lives of holiness.We pray that when priests feel helpless or in need that they are always reminded that God’s kingdom is at hand and reminded of God’s mystery of mercy and reconciliation.

The Transfiguration

“And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.” (Mt 17:2-3)

The Transfiguration is traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to “listen to him” (Luke 9:35) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.

We pray that all priests be likewise transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit and lifted up by the awesome presence of God in their lives. We pray also that priests be always assured that His mercy endures forever. We pray that priests be continually called and strengthened to live a life of conversion and spiritual courage as examples for us all.

The Institution of the Eucharist

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’” (Mt 26:26)

Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies “to the end” his love for humanity (John 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice.

We pray that the gift, graces, and joy of consecrating simple bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ be spiritual fuel to nurture and strengthen priests’ lives. We pray that priests manifest their love of the Eucharistic Lord as they live their lives as “persona Christi” for us.


The Joyful Mysteries

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.


New Way of the Cross

Opening and Final Prayer

1st Station: The Lord’s Supper

2nd Station: Jesus’ Agony at Gethsemani

3rd Station: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

4th Station: The Crowning with Thorns

5th Station: The Carrying of the Cross

6th Station: The Falling of Jesus

7th Station: Simon of Cyrene

8th Station: The Women of Jerusalem

9th Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

10th Station: The Good Criminal

11th Station: Mary and John

12th Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

13th Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

14th Station: The Resurrection


The Seven Last Words

The following is a liturgy based on the traditional “Seven Last Words” of Christ on the Cross. The Church should be draped in black; lighting should be low. The liturgy calls for seven candles to be extinguished during the service.

Entrance Song: “Were You There”

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

We gather here to worship God. We gather to remember how Jesus suffered and died for us and to thank God for his love and his mercy. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Let us pray. Merciful God, as we remember how your Son, Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross, how seven times He spoke, seven words of love, we ask You to bless our hearing. Father, as we recall how all three hours His silence cried for mercy on the souls of all, we ask you to help us to understand the mystery of your love, and make us into a people who are ever more worthy of it. Amen.


First Last Word


Second Last Word


Third Last Word