As spiritual leaders, priests are often attacked by various temptations of the devil. It should come as no surprise that Satan actively seeks the ruin of all priests, making their vocation a perilous one.
Yet, these priests can be aided by our prayers and support, crying out to God that they be protected from such assualts.
Here is a prayer from St. Peter Julian Eymard, asking God to surround the priest with his love and keep him from temptation.
O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep your servants within the shelter of your sacred Heart where none may harm them. Keep unstained their consecrated hands which daily touch your sacred body.
Keep unsullied their lips purpled with your precious blood. Keep pure and holy their hearts sealed with the sublime character of your priesthood.
Let your holy love surround them and shield them from the world’s contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant and lasting fruit. May they to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here on earth and their beautiful crown and everlasting glory in heaven.
And today we celebrate...