Archbishop Rosales launches an initiative to involve the laity in the celebration of the Year for Priests declared by Benedict XVI. Parishes throughout the capital make available a book in which the faithful and communities can write their special prayers and indicate the novenas, adorations, works of mercy, forms of sacrifices done for priests.

Manila (AsiaNews) – The Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales issued a pastoral letter to all the faithful throughout the diocese that includes the Filipino capital. In it he urged them to pray for priests and vocations. This way they can participate in the Year for Priests declared by Benedict XVI.

In order to encourage the laity to pray, the cardinal told all the parishes to make available a “Book of Spiritual Offerings for Priests”.

Individual members and whole communities can write their special prayers in the book, indicating novenas, adorations, works of mercy, and forms of sacrifices done for the priests of the diocese.

Lay people in Manila diocese have already responded to Cardinal Rosales’ initiative in a positive way.

Lydia Garcia, a mother of three teenage boys, told AsiaNews that praying for priests is not only a way to support their mission, but is also an opportunity for many young boys to discover their priestly vocation.

In fact some parishes and prayer groups have included in their list of intentions a request for more vocations.

For Mark Anthony, a lay Catholic leader, the initiative is one way of encouraging young people to understand their calling and get the faithful involved in helping and working with priests in their mission of evangelisation. (SD)

• philippines
• manila
• year
• for
• priests
• benedict
• xvi
• pastoral
• letter
• gaudencio
• rosales
• praying