For all priests and for an increase in holy vocations.

Priests are the servants of the sacraments, without whom the Eucharist, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and Confirmation cannot be administered. Catholics are called to pray for priests fervently — for their holiness, perseverance, and protection from spiritual attack.

The Prayer

O Jesus, eternal Priest,
keep Your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with Your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark of Your priesthood.
Let Your holy love surround them
from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit
and may the souls to whom they minister
be their joy and consolation here
and their everlasting crown hereafter.
Amen.

About This Prayer

At the Last Supper, Christ instituted both the Eucharist and the ministerial priesthood. Priests act in persona Christi — in the person of Christ — when they celebrate the sacraments. The Church experiences a worldwide shortage of priests; prayer for priestly vocations and for the holiness of those already ordained is a serious spiritual work of mercy.