Prayer for Priests

With all the clergy moves mentioned this week, Fr. Leo has drawn my attention to a Prayer for Priests that was said daily in his seminary. It is also known by others, including Kirsten my PA who recites this prayer quietly during the Mass while the priest is preparing the gifts at the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

O Jesus, Eternal Priest,
keep all Your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may harm them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips purpled with Your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts
sealed with the sublime marks of Your glorious priesthood.
Let Your holy love surround them
and shield them from the world’s contagion.
Bless their labours with abundant fruit,
and may the souls to whom they have ministered here below
be their joy and consolation
and in Heaven their beautiful and everlasting crown.
O Mary, Queen of the clergy, pray for us;
obtain for us many holy priests. Amen