08/26/2026
Remember this the next time you see your priest.
A priest gives up having a wife and children so he can become a spiritual father to many.
His life is poured out at the altar, in the confessional, beside hospital beds, at funerals, in moments of crisis, and anywhere someone needs the grace of God.
And much of what he carries, you will never see.
Priests are often responsible for hundreds or even thousands of people. They celebrate Mass, hear confessions, visit the sick, prepare couples for marriage, bury the dead, counsel families, manage parish responsibilities, and answer emergency calls that can come at any hour.
But they are still human.
They get tired. They get sick. They become discouraged. They can feel lonely. And sometimes, even when they desperately want to help everyone, they simply cannot be everywhere at once.
Most priests also do not stay in one parish forever. Bishops may reassign them after several years, which means they repeatedly leave behind communities and relationships they have grown to love.
And when you give money to your parish, you are not simply handing your priest a personal paycheck. Priests normally receive modest compensation and support according to their diocese or religious community, while parish donations help support the much larger mission of the Church.
So before criticizing a priest because he did not answer quickly enough, seemed tired, or could not meet every expectation, remember the life he has been asked to live.
Imagine receiving a call in the middle of the night because someone is dying and needs the Anointing of the Sick, then waking up a few hours later to stand at the altar and offer Mass.
That is the hidden life of many priests.
This does not mean priests are above correction. They are not perfect, and serious wrongdoing should never be ignored or covered up.
But gossip is different.
If someone begins tearing down a priest simply to spread rumors, resentment, or scandal, do not add your voice to it.
Pray for him instead.
Remember his birthday. Remember the anniversary of his ordination. Encourage him. Invite him to dinner. Thank him for hearing your confession. Tell him you are praying for him.
And when he struggles, do not forget that the man who spends his life helping others carry their crosses may sometimes need someone to help carry his.
Think about the priests God has placed in your own life.
The priest who baptized your child.
The priest who heard your confession when you were ashamed.
The priest who witnessed your marriage.
The priest who anointed someone you loved.
The priest who quietly offered Mass for an intention no one else knew you were carrying.
Take care of your priests.
Pray that they become holy priests, faithful priests, courageous priests, and priests completely in love with Jesus Christ.
Because behind the collar is a man who said yes to giving his life for souls.
May God strengthen and protect every faithful priest through Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest. Amen.
💬 Do you think we pray for our priests as much as we criticize them? Be honest.
