Announced: Year for Priests

French parish priest, St. Jean Marie Vianney, has long been the patron of parish priests. Pope Benedict announced Monday that he would proclaim a year for priests.

The theme for the priestly year is "Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests." The Pope is scheduled to open the year with a celebration of vespers June 19, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the presence of the relic of the Curé of Ars, to be brought to Rome by Bishop Guy Bagnard of Belley-Ars, the press release stated.

Lifelong formation of priests is among the things the pope desires priests to make a personal priority in their lives.

The pope announced this "during an audience with participants of the Congregation for Clergy's plenary assembly." Some of the popes comments may be read at this link.
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Wiki-image of St. Jean Vianney entombed is used according to the GFDL.