Praying for priests

Today I came across the story of Blessed Agnes of Jesus (1602-1634), a French Dominican nun who is particularly remembered in connection with prayer for priests - which of course is an important part of our Carmelite vocation. I have lifted the following information from a Dominican website, telling of a miraculous instance of prayer for priests: 'At the cloister in Langeac, Agnes gave herself fully to the religious life, burning with an ardent love for Christ crucified and for his Church. In her prayer, God told her that she must offer all her prayers, works, and sufferings for a young French priest, who was living an irresponsible lifestyle. Obediently, Agnes threw her whole heart into this request and spent three years in prayer and penance. ... The young French priest she was asked to pray for was Jean-Jacques Olier, who at the time had many servants and several carriages. He frequented high society and seemed dedicated to the things of this world more than the spiritual life and the salvation of souls. He took great pride and his learning was extremely ambitious until his eyesight began to fail. He made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Holy House in Loreto, Italy, where he had a dramatic conversion. He abandoned his wayward lifestyle and dedicated himself to works of mercy, especially to the poor and the uncatechized. He went on to found the priests of Society of Saint-Sulpice, influenced the structure of seminarian formation, and later founded seminaries throughout the country.'

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon B, Catherine,

Illness: Roy Seymour, Catherine Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

Mark – brain infection

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

RIP Richard Parker (former headmaster whose funeral is today), Martin Gilham, Sue Burton, Wojtek, Joy Smith OCDS