A Prayer for Priests

Divine Saviour Jesus Christ,

Thou are the Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep.

Oh, be in a very special way the Good Shepherd of those poor lost priests

who are also appointed by Thee to be leaders of Thy people,

but who have broken the oath of their holy ordination

and have become unfaithful to their exalted calling.

Bestow upon these poorest of the poor

the very fullness of that pastoral solicitude

with which Thou dost so faithfully seek the sheep that are lost!

Touch their hearts with the irresistible ray of grace

which emanates from Thine all-merciful love!

Enlighten their minds and strengthen their wills,

that they may turn away from all sin and error

and come back to Thy holy altar and to Thy people.

Amen.