It is no secret! The Diocese of Saginaw is in great need of more priests. We are also in great need for vocations to marriage as well. It is rare that anyone gets married, let alone in church. Baptisms seem even rarer. I digress.
The Diocese of Saginaw has begun a three-point initiative, Beg-Form-Call, to reach an ambitious goal of having twenty seminarians by 2030. What can I do? I am an old guy-married-working and I feel rather helpless. Yet, I am reminded of four words by Ram Dass, “How can I help?”
Of course, anyone can donate money. I costs thousands of dollars per year educating and forming new priests. Not al of us can donate much, but all of us can pray. The Diocese of Saginaw asks that we all pray, every day, for priestly vocations. It proposes that each of us, individually and in groups, pray the Memorare, asking Mary to intercede for us in this great need. Everyone, not just Catholics are invited to unite with us in this prayer.
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it know that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before this I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, (ask for priestly vocations) but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”
Recite this prayer. Remember Cana? It was Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who made the request of Jesus to fill the need for more wine. At her request he took action, changing water into not only wine, but the best wine ever. At her request, we will not only have more priests, but the best of the best. “Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard what God has in store for those who love him!” It is not magic, it’s prayer. Please pray with us.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
