Dixit Dominus . . .

Dixit Dominus . . . Tu es sacerdos in aeternum secundum ordinem Melchizedek ...

The Lord said, . . . ' You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.'

On Wednesday evening, the clergy of our diocese will gather at Arundel Cathedral before Bishop Kieran to renew the promises they made at ordination. This is a wonderful occasion for priests and followed by Holy Thursday when we celebrate the institution of the Blessed Eucharist and we are reminded, by his own example, of Christ's commandment to serve one another. One of the priest's function is to serve his people.

All of these events remind me of the Holy Father's announcement that there will be a Year of the Priest beginning on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on 19th June 2009 with a day of sanctification of priests and closing with a World Meeting of Priests in St Peter's Square, Rome on 19th June 2010.

This jubilee year also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the death of St Jean-Marie Vianney, patron saint of parish priests, described by Pope Benedict as a 'true example of a priest at the service of his flock.' The Holy Father will declare him as patron saint, not just of parish priests but of all priests.

The Holy Father in declaring the Year of the Priest said,

'The priest must be present, identifiable and recognisable - for their judgement of faith, personal virtue and attire - in the fields of culture and of charity which have always been at the heart of the Church's mission.'

He also said that,

'The centrality of Christ leads to a a correct valuation of priestly ministry, without which there would be no Eucharist, no mission, not even the Church.'

How fitting that in this Year of Priests I will celebrate 10 years of priesthood on 4th June. I shall offer Mass in thanksgiving followed by a reception for the parish in the hall afterwards. More details to follow.