25/08/2026
REMEMBER THIS THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE YOUR PRIEST
A priest gives up the joy of having a wife and children so that he can become a spiritual father to many.
His life is poured out at the altar, in the confessional, beside hospital beds, at funerals, during moments of crisis, and wherever a soul needs the mercy and grace of God.
Yet much of what a priest carries, you may never see.
A priest may be responsible for hundreds or even thousands of souls. He celebrates Mass, hears confessions, visits the sick, prepares couples for marriage, baptizes children, buries the dead, counsels families, manages parish responsibilities, and responds to emergencies—sometimes at the most inconvenient hours.
But remember this:
He is still human.
He gets tired.
He gets sick.
He becomes discouraged.
He can feel lonely.
He can struggle with his own burdens.
And sometimes, despite wanting desperately to be there for everyone, he simply cannot be everywhere at once.
Imagine receiving a call at 2 a.m. that someone is dying and needs the Anointing of the Sick. You get out of bed, go to that person, pray with the family, administer the Sacrament—and perhaps a few hours later, you are standing at the altar celebrating Holy Mass.
That is a part of the hidden life of priesthood that many people never see.
And priests often experience another kind of sacrifice: they are sent where the Church needs them. A bishop may transfer them after years of serving a community they have grown to love. They leave behind familiar faces, friendships, children they baptized, couples they married, families they accompanied, and people whose lives they became part of.
So before becoming angry because your priest did not answer your call immediately, could not attend your event, seemed tired, or failed to meet an expectation, pause and remember the weight he may already be carrying.
This does not mean priests are perfect.
They are not above correction. Serious wrongdoing must never be ignored, excused, or covered up.
But correction is not the same as gossip.
If someone begins destroying a priest's reputation through rumors, resentment, or unnecessary scandal, don't be quick to add your voice.
Pray for him instead.
Remember his birthday.
Remember the anniversary of his ordination.
Send him a word of encouragement.
Invite him to dinner.
Thank him for hearing your confession.
Tell him that you are praying for him.
Because sometimes, the man who spends his entire life helping others carry their crosses may himself need someone to help carry his.
Think about the priests God has placed in your life.
The priest who baptized your child.
The priest who heard your confession when you were ashamed and helped you begin again.
The priest who witnessed your marriage.
The priest who came to the hospital when someone you loved was dying.
The priest who celebrated the funeral of someone dear to you.
The priest who quietly offered Holy Mass for an intention nobody else knew you were carrying.
Take care of your priests.
Pray for them.
Pray that they become holy priests, faithful priests, courageous priests, compassionate priests, and priests completely in love with Jesus Christ.
Encourage them when they are discouraged.
Stand by them when they are carrying heavy burdens.
Correct them when correction is necessary—but always with charity.
And never forget that behind the collar is a man who once stood before God and said YES to giving his life for the salvation of souls.
May God strengthen every faithful priest.
May He protect them from discouragement, loneliness, temptation, and every evil.
May He give them wisdom to lead, courage to serve, humility to listen, and holiness to remain faithful to their calling.
And may the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests, continually intercede for them.
Lord Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest, bless and protect all Your priests. Give them strength when they are weak, hope when they are discouraged, and grace to remain faithful until the end. Amen. 🙏🏽✝️
Now, be honest:
💬 Do we pray for our priests as much as we criticize them?
Perhaps today, instead of criticizing a priest, say a prayer for him.
(Adapted from Walter Welborn).
Beloved Of Jesus Christ Int’l
One Faith • One Love • One Family in Christ ❤️✝️
