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Holy Hour for the Sanctification of Seminarians

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

for the

SANCTIFICATION OF SEMINARIANS

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“Pray the Lord of the Harvest

to Send Out Laborers!”

“Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.” This means that the harvest is ready, but God wishes to enlist helpers to bring it into the storehouse. God needs them. He needs people to say: Yes, I am ready to become your harvest laborer; I am ready to offer help so that this harvest which is ripening in people’s hearts may truly be brought into the storehouses of eternity and become an enduring, divine communion of joy and love.

“Pray the Lord of the harvest” also means that we cannot simply “produce” vocations; they must come from God. Unlike other professions, we cannot simply recruit people by using the right kind of publicity or the correct type of strategy. The call, which comes from the heart of God, must always find its way into the heart of man. And yet, precisely so that it may reach into hearts, our cooperation is needed.

To pray the Lord of the harvest means above all to ask him for this, to stir his heart and say: “Please do this! Rouse laborers! Enkindle in them enthusiasm and joy for the Gospel! Make them understand that this is a treasure greater than any other, and that whoever has discovered it, must hand it on!”

We stir the heart of God. But our prayer to God does not consist of words alone; the words must lead to action so that from our praying heart a spark of our joy in God and in the Gospel may arise, enkindling in the hearts of others a readiness to say “yes.”

As people of prayer, filled with his light, we reach out to others and bring them into our prayer and into the presence of God, who will not fail to do his part. In this sense we must continue to pray the Lord of the harvest, to stir his heart, and together with God touch the hearts of others through our prayer. And he, according to his purpose, will bring to maturity their “yes,” their readiness to respond; the constancy, in other words, through all this world’s perplexity, through the heat of the day and the darkness of the night, to persevere faithfully in his service.

Hence they will know that their efforts, however arduous, are noble and worthwhile because they lead to what is essential, they ensure that people receive what they hope for: God’s light and God’s love.

Pope Benedict XVI

Meeting with the Priests and Deacons in Freising, Germany

14 September 2006

________________________________________________________________

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION FOR THE

SANCTIFICATION OF SEMINARIANS

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament [All Kneel]

The Presider places the host in a monstrance while a suitable hymn is sung.

o salutaris hostia

O salutaris Hostia,

Quae caeli pandis ostium:

Bella premunt hostilia,

Da robur, fer auxilium.

O Pastor Bone, Domine

Hos juvenes custodite

Gratiam tuam infundite

Bonos pastores facere.

Uni trinoque Domino

Sit sempiterna gloria,

Qui vitam sine termino

Nobis donet in patria.

Amen.

O saving Victim, op’ning wide

the gates of Heaven to us below;

Our foes press on from every side;

Thine aid supply; Thy strength bestow.

O Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd true

Keep these young men close to you

Your grace impart, in them sustain,

Form them as shepherds like unto you.

All praise and thanks to thee extend,

For ever more, bless’d one in three.

O grant us life that shall not end,

In our true native land with thee.

Amen.

Invitation to Praise

The Presider incenses the host and afterwards, invites the people to praise:

Let us bless our heavenly Father, Creator of the world, who continues to desire us all into being. He assigns to each creature its rightful place and gives our lives meaning and purpose.

All respond: Glory and praise to you forever.

Let us bless Jesus Christ, Lord and Master, who continues to call and form disciples to become laborers in his harvest.

All respond: Glory and praise to you forever.

Let us bless the Holy Spirit, Consoler and Guide, who continues to inspire charisms in the Church, empowering people to work together in building up the Body of Christ.

All respond: Glory and praise to you forever.

Silent Adoration

After a brief moment of silent adoration, the Presider reads the following:

It is indeed noble, excellent and praiseworthy to gather and pray for the sanctification of our seminarians, future priests.

“Holiness does much for priests in carrying on a fruitful ministry. Although divine grace could use unworthy ministers to effect the work of salvation, yet for the most part God chooses, to show forth his wonders, those who are more open to the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, and who can by reason of their close union with Christ and their holiness of life say with St. Paul: ‘And yet I am alive; or rather, not I; it is Christ that lives in me.’(Gal 2:20)” (Vatican II Decree on Priestly Life and Ministry, Presbyterorum Ordinis, 12)

Let us offer this hour of silence, reflection and prayer before the Eucharistic presence for our seminarians, in the hope that they will become holy pastors.

Saint John Vianney, the patron of priests said: “We know that Jesus is there in the sacred host: let us open our hearts to him, let us rejoice in his sacred presence. That is the best prayer.”

As we savor and contemplate the Lord’s presence and open our hearts to his Word, both spoken and silent, let us pray for our future priests that they may always remain open to God’s Spirit working in their lives, and that they may be led to greater intimacy with Christ and so become more configured to the likeness of our Good Shepherd.

For this month, we pray in particular for…

The Presider or a lay person announces the monthly intention/s recommended by the Rector of the seminary.

Prayer for Seminarians

A lay person leads all in saying the following prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest and Chief Shepherd of the flock, send us, according to your promise, pastors after your own heart. You formed your apostles by calling them to your side and inviting them to share your life. In your company at prayer and at the banquet of the Eucharist, mould our seminarians into your likeness that they may grow daily in holiness, virtue and fidelity for they can only become apostles if they have first been disciples learning at the foot of the Master.

Ever increase in them a sincere and ardent desire to serve you and your people. Give them generosity and perseverance in their studies so they may gain wisdom and competence in guiding souls and building communities. Assist them in their struggles so they may learn to bear their Cross with patience and develop strength of character. Animate their passion in doing the apostolate so that in this school of service and love, they may imbibe a genuine solidarity and concern for the needy and learn to imitate your simplicity of life and humble service.

Make our seminaries true cradles of virtue and learning, where the seeds of priestly vocation can grow and blossom. Bless all formators, teachers, seminary workers, benefactors, the families and friends of seminarians, and all who collaborate in this most important task of forming our future shepherds. May your Holy Spirit, the best formator, always inspire and direct our efforts for your greater glory. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Vocations, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Saint John Vianney, pray for us.

Liturgy of the Word

Three sets of readings are provided. In between the readings, a sufficient time for silent reflection and private prayer is to be observed. Some guide questions and pointers are provided for this purpose.

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Option A

Praying for Seminarians in Formation

First Reading [All Sit]

Joshua won the battle because Moses prayed for him.

A reading from the book of Exodus 17, 8-13

At Rephidim, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, "Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."

So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight.

Moses' hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

What kind of struggles must seminarians face? Like Moses interceding for Joshua while the latter fought in the battlefield, I pray especially for seminarians who are experiencing difficulties in their studies, struggles in their formation and doubts about their vocation.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 27)

Response: May you seek the face of the Lord,

may you see his face in the land of the living.

One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek:

To dwell in the LORD’s house all the days of my life,

To gaze on the LORD’s beauty, to visit his temple.

For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble,

Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;

and set me high upon a rock.

Even now my head is held high

above my enemies on every side!

I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and chant praise to the LORD.

Hear my voice, LORD, when I call;

have mercy on me and answer me.

"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face";

your face, LORD, do I seek!

Do not hide your face from me;

do not repel your servant in anger.

You are my help; do not cast me off;

do not forsake me, God my savior!

Even if my father and mother forsake me,

the LORD will take me in.

LORD, show me your way;

lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Do not abandon me to the will of my foes;

malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.

But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD, take courage;

be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!

Second Reading

We do not cease praying for you.

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians 1, 1-14

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the holy ones and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the gospel, that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so also among you, from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

We do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

Why do we pray for one another? We pray for one another because we love each other and we want to help each other to grow in holiness and persevere in following the Lord. Using Paul’s prayer, ask the Lord that he may bestow these graces on our seminarians that they too may become trustworthy ministers of Christ and heralds of his love.

Gospel Reading [All Stand]

He called them to be with Him.

A Reading from the holy gospel according to Mark 3, 13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. So he appointed the twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

What kind of disciples did Jesus call? Just looking at the list from the gospel, we are led to remember how they were weak and sinful men. And yet he wanted them and he called them to be with him so that they can be transformed by experiencing his unconditional love. We pray for our seminarians that by growing in their intimacy with Christ, they may become apostles who can witness to his saving love.

Ü Turn to page 18.

Option B

Praying for the Sanctification of our Future Shepherds

First Reading [All Sit]

I will appoint shepherds for them and they shall fear no more.

A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah 23, 1-8

Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply.

I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD. Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; As king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: "The LORD our justice." Therefore, the days will come, says the LORD, when they shall no longer say, "As the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt"; but rather, "As the LORD lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north"--and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

What great evil bad shepherds can cause! The irresponsibility and scandalous behavior of pastors can truly cause great harm to souls. That is why we need to pray for the sanctification of our seminarians so that they may become diligent and credible pastors of the flock. Filled with love for the Church, here let us pray most especially for the weakest among the seminarians, that they may be purified and gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ, our Good Shepherd.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23

Response: The Lord is my shepherd,

there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures you let me graze;

to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.

You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.

Even when I walk through a dark valley,

I fear no harm for you are at my side;

your rod and staff give me courage.

You set a table before me as my enemies watch;

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life;

I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Second Reading

May the God of peace perfect you in holiness.

From the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians 5, 16-25

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil. May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it. Brothers, pray for us too.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

How important is holiness especially for those who are called to lead souls to it! Even as we often ask them to pray for us, let us pray for our seminarians that they may follow God’s call with joy and be holy.

Gospel Reading [All Stand]

The qualities of our Good Shepherd

A Reading from the holy gospel according to John 10, 11-17

Jesus said: I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

What makes the difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand? A shepherd can only be good if he has love and concern for the sheep. The priestly vocation should never be just an ambition, only a career or a mere livelihood but a commitment to service. Let us pray for our seminarians that they may deepen their appreciation of the meaning and gravity of their chosen path, that they may follow the Lord in sincerity of heart and offer their lives in service to the Church and to their brethren after His example.

Ü Turn to page 18.

Option C

Praying for Vocations to the Priesthood

First Reading [All Sit]

I will give you shepherds after my own heart.

A reading from the book of the Prophet Jeremiah 3, 15-17

I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently. When you multiply and become fruitful in the land, says the LORD, They will in those days no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the LORD!" They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another. At that time they will call Jerusalem the LORD’s throne; there all nations will be gathered together to honor the name of the LORD at Jerusalem, and they will walk no longer in their hardhearted wickedness.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

Why did the Lord promise shepherds to his people in exile instead of immediate relief? In our present time, with all its pressing difficulties and challenges, are we not also in most urgent need of shepherds? How great is our need for them! We remind the Lord of his promise, which remains as true for us as it was for them, asking him to raise up from among our seminarians the wise and prudent and shepherds we sorely need.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 40

Response: Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.

I waited, waited for the LORD;

who bent down and heard my cry,

And put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn to our God.

Sacrifice and offering you do not want;

but ears open to obedience you gave me.

Holocausts and sin-offerings you do not require;

so I said, "Here I am.”

To do your will is my delight; my God,

your law is in my heart!

I announced your deed to a great assembly;

I did not restrain my lips;

you, LORD, are my witness.

LORD, do not withhold your compassion from me;

may your enduring kindness ever preserve me.

Second Reading

Pray that I may be inspired to proclaim the gospel.

From the letter of Paul to the Ephesians 6, 16-20

In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

How may we help our future shepherds? More than just material aid, they are also in great need of the assurance and spiritual support of our prayer that they may be enabled to proclaim the Gospel. As the apostle exhorts us, let us take every opportunity, especially these moments spent before the adored Eucharist, to pray to the Lord in behalf of our seminarians that they may have the courage as well as the fidelity to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.

Gospel Reading [All Stand]

Pray for laborers in the harvest

A Reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew 9, 35-38

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

Guide for Prayer and Reflection

How affected must Our Lord have been by the sight of the distressed and scattering crowd! Let us converse with him and share in his overwhelming concern for the salvation of humanity. Let us comfort him by carrying out his command, praying to him in earnest for more laborers in his harvest.

Ü Turn to page 18.

Homily or Sharing [All Sit]

After the Gospel, a sufficient period of silence is again observed. Afterwards, the Presider may preach a homily or one of those gathered may give a sharing.

Hymn [All Stand]

After the homily or sharing, a sufficient period of silence is again observed. Afterwards, a fitting hymn may be sung. Some songs are suggested below.

O SACRED HEART, O LOVE DIVINE

1. O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine,

do keep priests near to Thee.

And make their hearts so like to Thine

that they may holy be.

Refrain: Heart of Jesus, hear. O heart of love divine.

Listen to our pray’r make them always Thine.

2. O heart that bleeds for scattered sheep,

heart of our Shepherd true,

do send us priests, your Church to keep,

with hearts like unto You.

3. O priestly Heart, O victim pure,

O altar truly blest,

do shield them from the world’s allure

in you alone to nest.

ISANG BANSA

Para sa 1987 Pambansang Taon ng Eukaristiya

Timoteo JM. Ofrasio, SJ - Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ

1. O kay ganda ng ating buhay, napupuspos ng pagpapala ng sakramentong mahiwaga. Kaloob ni Hesus sa’ti’y gabay.

Koro: Purihin si Hesus sa sakramento. Purihin ng lahat ng tao.

Purihin S’ya ng Pilipino sa pagkakaisa lingapin mo.

2. O kay tamis ng pagsasama, nagmumula sa pagkakaisa.

Bumubukal sa pagsasalo sa iisang hapag ay dumalo.

Intercessions – Option 1 [All Stand]

Beloved brethren, responding to the summons of the Master to pray to him for laborers for the great harvest, let us raise our hearts and voices to him with confidence, as we say:

Send us, O Lord, laborers for your harvest.

1. Make your Church a credible and effective herald of the Gospel, that all may listen more readily to your call.

2. Preserve our country in the faith that our youth may accept your invitation eagerly and without difficulty.

3. Confirm in holiness our Holy Father, N., our bishop, N., and all the clergy that the witness of their life may inspire young men to follow you with joy.

4. Guide all seminary formators and faculty that our seminaries may be true seedbeds where priestly vocations can receive adequate and appropriate care.

5. Bless all Christian families that our homes may be conducive cradles, where priestly vocations are nurtured and welcomed with faith and freedom.

6. Inspire the families, friends and benefactors of our seminarians that they may support these vocations with love and generosity.

7. Accompany our seminarians in formation that they may freely cooperate with your Holy Spirit and be formed after your own likeness.

8. Direct our seminarians undergoing regency, that they may grow in personal maturity and clarity of vocation.

9. Encourage other young men to respond to your call with trust and magnanimity. Make them eager to commit themselves to you in love and faithfulness.

10. Sustain all of us gathered here, in our apostolate of prayer for seminarians, that we may faithfully contribute our share in the work of the harvest.

Other timely intentions may be mentioned at this point. A brief period of silence to pray for personal intentions may also be observed.

Gathering our prayers and praises into one,

we say/sing the prayer that Christ himself taught us.

Our Father….

Intercessions – Option 2 [All Stand]

Relying on the Lord’s own promise, let us pray to him with trust and confidence:

Send us, O Lord, shepherds after your own heart.

1. Under the care of Mary and Joseph, you grew in wisdom and stature, gaining favor before God and men. Inspire and enlighten our seminarians in their studies that they may be enabled to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and authority. We pray.

2. You often withdrew to a lonely place and taught your disciples how to pray. Console and encourage our seminarians in their prayer that they may learn to draw their strength and efficacy for ministry from a deep and growing communion with you. We pray.

3. Your formed your disciples by calling them to your side, to be with you and to learn from your example. Guide and assist our seminarians in their community life that through the guidance and example of their formators and with the help and support of their co-seminarians, they may grow steadily in virtue and maturity as they follow your call. We pray.

4. You came to serve and not to be served and taught your disciples to do the same. Inspire and confirm our seminarians in their apostolate that they learn to be humble, generous and compassionate, and to care especially for those in greatest need. We pray.

5. You lived among us and shared our life in all things but sin. Direct and sustain our seminarians in times of personal crisis and difficulty that they may become pastors who can show others the way with wisdom, competence and credibility. We pray.

Other timely intentions may be mentioned at this point. A brief period of silence to pray for personal intentions may also be observed.

The Father has placed us in the care of Jesus.

With our Good Shepherd,

we say/sing our prayer of filial trust.

Our Father…

Prayer for Vocations

Pope Benedict XVI - World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2006

O Father, raise up among Christians, abundant and holy vocations to the priesthood, who will keep the faith alive and guard the blessed memory of your Son, Jesus, through the preaching of his word and the administration of the Sacraments with which you continually renew your faithful.

Grant us holy ministers of your altar, who are careful and fervent guardians of the Eucharist, the sacrament of the supreme gift of Christ for the redemption of the world. Call ministers of your mercy, who, through the sacrament of Reconciliation, spread the joy of your forgiveness.

Grant, O Father, that the Church may welcome with joy the numerous inspirations of the Spirit of your Son and, docile to His teachings, may she care for vocations to the ministerial priesthood and to the consecrated life. Sustain the Bishops, priests and deacons, consecrated men and women, and all the baptized in Christ, so that they may faithfully fulfill their mission at the service of the Gospel. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

Final Prayer

Lord God, true shepherd of your people,

send us, according to your promise,

pastors after your own heart

to labor in the great harvest

and preach the good news to the poor.

Continue to form our seminarians

as they grow in intimacy with you

and seek to pattern their lives

after the heart of your Son, Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.

All respond: Amen.

Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament [All Kneel]

The Presider takes the host from the monstrance and returns it to the tabernacle while a suitable hymn is sung.

o sacrament most holy

O sacrament most holy

O sacrament divine

All praise and all thanksgiving

be every moment thine,

be every moment thine.

O Master of the harvest

the harvest is so great,

We pray you send us laborers

to gather in your grain.

to gather in your grain.

Hymn to Mary [All Stand]

immaculate mother

1. Immaculate Mother, preserve those God has called

to serve at his altar, and lead his people.

Ave, ave, ave Maria!

Ave, ave, ave Maria!

2. O Queen of apostles, O Mother of priests,

preserve all our clergy, in loving service.

3. O Mother of Jesus, O Mother of the Church,

make us all his leaven, of change in the world.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR SEMINARIANS

O dear Saint Joseph,

to whose care the Father entrusted

the growth of his only-begotten Son,

we also commend our seminarians to you

that they may learn from your example

and enjoy your gracious protection and assistance.

You followed the angel’s command without hesitation

and took Mary and Jesus into your home.

Help them to respond to God’s invitation with confidence

to care for his people and to be foster-fathers to his family.

With great openess to the will of God,

you always went as you were instructed,

braving all difficulties and challenges

out of love for Jesus and Mary.

Guide our seminarians in their formation

that they may open their hearts with trust in God’s plan,

discerning with care the path he wishes them to take

and following his inspirations with generosity and love.

With fatherly love, you brought up Jesus,

showing him by the simplicity of your life,

given entirely to God and to his family,

the joy of obedience to the Father’s call.

Inspire our seminarians to embrace their vocation

with gladness, magnanimity and sincerity

and to grow in it with humility and gratitude.

You are the formator of the Formator of all disciples,

take also into your home with Mary,

those whom your Son has called to his side,

so that under your paternal care and counsel as He once was,

they may also grow in virtue and wisdom, holiness and service.

O patron and protector of the Universal Church,

obtain from us from your dear foster son,

vocations according to the Father’s will

and persons eager to accept them

with hearts like yours and His. Amen.

© 2009

Year for Priests 2009-2010

San Jose Major Seminary

Ateneo de Manila University

in opus ministerii