Tu es Sacerdos in Aeternum

One of the greatest joys for any diocese is the day a young man is ordained to the Sacred Order of the Holy Priesthood. Today, the Diocese of Santa Rosa receives that exact joy as two young men will give their lives completely to God in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, where by they will receive the precious, indelible mark upon their souls, making them priests of Jesus Christ forever. 

In the spirit of our charism, the sisters made hand-sewn, embroidered linens for the newly ordained: a set of altar linens (including a corporal, purificator, and lavabo towel) and a manutergium (a long, narrow linen used to wrap and wipe the oil from the priest's newly consecrated hands). It is indeed an honor to create a beautiful gift that will be used for our Lord on His holy altar. (You can view more images of the linens at the end of this post)

Below is a beautiful prayer for priests which seeks the intercession of St. Joseph. We ask you to join us in praying these prayers for the newly ordained priests, that Our Lady, St. Joseph, and all the holy, priestly saints in Heaven may intercede before the celestial altar of God - that He may bless and protect their priesthood. 
​

Prayer to St. Joseph for a Particular Priest

O glorious Saint Joseph, I present to thee this day Father N., priest of Jesus Christ, and beg thee to be to him advocate and defender, counselor and friend. Open thy heart to him as thou didst open thy home to the Virgin Mother in her hour of need. Protect his holy priesthood as thou didst protect the life of the Infant Christ threatened by cruel Herod. In darkness bring him light; in weakness, strength; and in fear the peace that passeth understanding. For the sake of the tender love that bound thee to the Virgin Mary and to the Infant Christ, be thou for him, Saint Joseph, a constant intercessor and a shield against every danger of body, mind, and soul so that, in spite of his weaknesses and sins, his priesthood may bring glory to Christ and serve to increase the beauty of holiness in His bride the Church. Amen.

Jesus Christ, Priest and Victim, 
have mercy on these new priests and sanctify their priesthood.