St. John Vianney, the Cure d'Ars comes. He says: “Praise be to Jesus.”

“I know this Ministry is ecumenical – open to all people and all nations. Understand that Catholics can be ecumenical, as well. This is a murky point, at best, in many hearts. But today, I come to speak specifically to parish priests since I am their patron.*

“Understand, my brothers, that you are a priest, not for yourselves, but for all others. Your vocation is a gift from God towards saving souls including your own. As such, your focus needs to be on taking the sacraments to the people. Do not let your hearts be focused on friendships, gratuities or frivolous concerns of the world. Do not love money or popularity. If you are called to any rank, do not be consumed with love of power. Do not rule, but shepherd – without a bent towards control, but to lead to salvation. Never discourage prayer, especially the prayer of the Holy Rosary. Build up, do not tear down the Kingdom of God.”

“Your own hearts must be well-formed in Tradition and centered upon the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. Spend time with Jesus. Allow Him to be your Confidante and your All.”

“God has given you souls to lead to salvation. Take this call seriously. God holds you accountable, not just for your own salvation, but for what you do – or do not do – to lead others. Define sin as sin from the pulpit, even if these sins have become political issues. Call all people to live the Ten Commandments. Take the education of your charges seriously – more seriously than income or esteem.”

“Finally, be responsible for feeding your flock with the Truth.”

* During the Year of Priests (2010), Pope Benedict XVI declared St. John Vianney to be patron of all priests (parish & religious).