INAUGURATION OF THE YEAR OF PRIETS

The year 2009 June 19 to 2010 June 19 is declared as the year of the priests by H.H. Pope Benedict XVI. So the year of the priests has begun on 19th June, the feast day of the sacred heart of Jesus. This year the Universal Church commemorates the 150th death anniversary of St. John Maria Vianney, who was the parish priest of Ars in France. He is the patron Saint of the diocesan priests. So the Holy Father found it appropriate to observe this year as the year of the priests. This is intended especially for the renewal of catholic priests in all areas of their existence.

Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Palai formally inaugurated the year of the priests of this diocese on 19th June 2009 at the Good Shepherd Minor Seminary Palai. He exhorted the priests and seminarians during Holy Mass to pursue the renewal programmes earnestly and draw spiritual strength from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He also exhorted then to emulate St. John Maria Vianney and Blessed Kunjachan of Ramapuram in their priestly ministry.

The diocese in consultation with the diocesan priests has chalked out an action plan for the renewal. The plan comprises Spiritual and intellectual programes like prayer services, adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, retreats, seminars, Symposium etc. As a mark of respect and honour to St. John Maria Vianney and Blessed Kunjachan of Ramapuram who was a diocesan priest of Palai, their holy pictures of moderate size are exhibited in all parish churches of the diocese.