Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Singapore (Agenzia Fides) – The local Church in Thailand is fervently preparing for the celebration of the Year of the Priest, declared by Benedict XVI, which opens June 19 on the 150th anniversary of the death of Saint Jean Marie Vianney, also known as the “Cure of Ars.”
The Commission for the Clergy of the Archdiocese, in collaboration with the “Serra Club” of Singapore, have organized a series of initiatives: the opening of the Year will be solemnly proclaimed in a Mass celebrated in the Cathedral by Archbishop Nicholas Chia of Singapore. The Mass will conclude with a blessing of a statue of St. Jean Marie Vianney which, during the Year of the Priest, will make a “pilgrimage” to the 31 parishes of the Archdiocese. The saint will be promoted as model for the youth and as a source of inspiration for celebrating the Year of the Priest.
The statue will remain in each parish for a week. During the visit, there will be prayer vigils, encounters, and celebrations to ask God to send “laborers to His harvest,” that is, the gift of priestly vocations. “The pilgrimage of the statue is a way of getting the faithful's attention and getting them to pray, become participants in the Year of the Priest,” said Fr. Andrew Wong, president of the Commission for the Clergy. In addition, there will be retreats organized for priests in the diocese, and the Catholic Spirituality Center will be holding a special event for August 4, the 150th anniversary of the death of the Saint.
In October, the Month of the Rosary, will be dedicated to prayer for vocations. The local Church will also be working to reflect on the texts of the Holy Father, to be published throughout the year, on key issues such as the priesthood. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/6/2009)
