Year of Priests

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a
“Year for Priests” beginning with the
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
on June 19, 2009. The year will conclude
in Rome with an international gathering
of priests with the Holy Father on June
19, 2010.

With the announcement of this Year for
Priests, the Pope has declared St. John
Vianney the Universal Patron of Priests
on the occasion of the 150th anniversary
of the death of the Curé d’Ars.

On this website you will find a number of
resources to aid your parish’s celebration
of the year for priests. There is also
information regarding events for priests
that will occur throughout the Year for
Priests.

Please pray for our priests that they
might always be faithful to their sacred
calling.

About the Icon

Explanation of the icon of Christ the Great High Priest

Iconographer Marek Czarnecki of Seraphic Restorations in Meriden, Connecticut, has graciously given the USCCB the
rights to use the icon of Christ the Great High Priest during the Year for Priests.

This icon (egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, 28” x 22”) is “based on a fifteenth century Greek prototype; here
Christ is shown in Latin Rite vestments with a gold pelican over His heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. The
borders contain a windig grapevine and altar prepared for the celebration of the liturgy of the Mass; in the borders are
smaller icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.” Incidentally, it is St. John Vianney whom Pope Benedict
XVI, with the announcement of this special year, has declared the Universal Patron of Priests.

Czarnecki explains: “I wrote the icon about seven years ago [for seminarians and priests] to be able to see Christ in
themselves, and themselves in Christ. We often hear that the icon is called a window; in this case, it’s also meant to be
a mirror.” The Good Shepherd reminds the priest that he is to “lay down his life for his sheep.”
(www.seraphicrestorations.com)