Christ the King Chapel at St. John Vianney Seminary was filled with reverent devotion and heartfelt prayer as the faithful gathered to celebrate Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.
This day, dedicated as the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, brought together clergy and laypeople from around the archdiocese to intercede for the holiness and renewal of the priesthood. The Mass was organized by the Spiritual Mothers of the archdiocese.
The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, established by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002, is celebrated annually on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. It serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing spiritual support for priests and highlights the critical role they play in guiding the faithful as spiritual fathers.
Mass was offered by Father Adam Bradshaw, and concelebrated by Father Gary Selin, Father Bill Breslin, Father Jason Wallace, and Monsignor Bernie Schmitz. Throughout the Mass, Father Bradshaw emphasized the profound connection between the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the priestly vocation.
He also spoke about the deep love of Christ, symbolized by his Sacred Heart, and its vital importance in the lives of priests who are called to shepherd his flock with compassion and dedication.
In his homily, Father Bradshaw reflected on the closing of liturgical time.
“In many ways, today we celebrate a conclusion. This is the last solemnity of the entire liturgical year that has a dependent relationship from the date of Easter,” he said, referencing the many days throughout the year that fluctuate depending on when Easter falls – the solemnity of the Sacred Heart being one such day.
Speaking of the challenges and joys of the priestly ministry, Father Bradshaw’s words resonated deeply with those in attendance. He encouraged the faithful to continually support and pray for their priests, recognizing the immense sacrifices they make in service to the Church and her people.
Father Bradshaw focused on the significance of the responsorial psalm for the day, taken from Isaiah 12:3, “You will draw water joyfully from the font of salvation.” He pointed to the psalm as a key theme in the day’s solemnity, which is echoed in the preface of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Easter Vigil.
Father Bradshaw posed the question: “What is this water that we’re drawing from so joyfully?” He continued, explaining this is the water that pours out from Jesus’ side when he was pierced by the soldier’s lance in the Gospel.
“The pierced side of Christ is that fountain, by which we joyfully draw the water. This is the water that cleanses us. Each and every Christian in the world has been baptized from the font of the side of Christ. It is the water that cleanses us, and the blood which forgives us of our sins,” he explained.
Father Bradshaw went on to speak about other metaphors of water we see in the Gospel, such as when Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well, and he says that he is the “living water” in the fourth chapter of John.
Again, Jesus speaks about the living waters that flow from the river, like the Spirit of Pentecost descends upon the apostles and Mary.
“In each of these metaphors, all of this water is from the side of Christ. And this is the water which we draw joyfully from the streams of salvation,” Father Bradshaw continued.
Lastly, Father Bradshaw drew a connection between the Sacred Heart and the Eucharist. Quoting Pope Pius XII, he said, “It is from the Sacred Heart that the Eucharist and the priesthood find their origins.”
He concluded, explaining that each time Mass is celebrated, Jesus’ Sacred Heart beats with love for each one of us.
This celebration at St. John Vianney Seminary was not only a testament to the enduring faith of the Catholic community in Denver but also a powerful reminder of the love and mercy emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which continues to inspire and sanctify the priesthood.
Just as priests are called to their particular ministry, the faithful are called to keep priests in our prayers, asking the Sacred Heart of Jesus to guide and sanctify them in their mission to lead the faithful towards greater communion with God.
For one way to pray for our priests, consider praying the Prayer for Priests by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.