A year for priests

A year for priests

By Msgr. Michael Mulvey

Beginning in the 1950s, diocesan priests discovered in the charism of unity given to Chiara Lubich a spirituality that perfectly corresponds to their vocation as priests of the Catholic Church. Since then many others have recognized this spirituality as a response to the Holy Spirit’s call for the entire church to live a spirituality of communion. These priests strive daily to live such a life, contributing to the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer, “Father, may they all be one” (Jn 17:21). They want to bear witness to the Risen Lord, who lives among them through mutual love (see Mt 18:20). In this way they find themselves to be a leaven of unity in their dioceses with their bishops and local clergy.

In April diocesan priests who adhere to this spirituality gathered at their annual retreat at Mariapolis Luminosa in Hyde Park, New York. They came from all over the U.S. to renew and affirm themselves in the life of communion. The experience of the week, in which they lived as a family, inspired and strengthened them in their resolve to continue this fraternal communion as they returned to their dioceses.

Through a weekly conference call, they continue to share their personal experiences of living the Word of Life, as well as their joys and struggles inherent in daily life and priestly ministry.
In March the Holy Father announced the Year for Priests, which began June 19, the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, “a true example of a pastor at the service of Christ’s flock,” the Pope explained.

In response to the Holy Father’s initiative, these priests have set some goals for themselves. Each one committed to reach out to other priests who may be alienated or lonely. They agreed to support wholeheartedly the projects planned in their dioceses for the Year for Priests, and if possible to be present in St. Peter’s Square on June 19, 2010 at the “World Meeting of Priests” with the Pope. Later this year, the Focolare’s world center for priests will sponsor a large international conference for priests, open to everyone at Castelgandolfo, Italy from November 24-26. During this year Living City will carry personal experiences of priests as they strive to live the Gospel.

Msgr. Michael Mulvey is Vicar General of the Diocese of Austin, Texas.