One more request: PLEASE pray specifically for Father Foster. He is a dear friend and a courageous priest. But this pressure over the last decade has worn him down to the point that he would almost welcome having his faculties removed. His dad died two years ago.
His pastor made him use up all his sick days and vacation days to be at his side. The bishop put him in a church almost the farthest away from his home in the diocese. He requested a closer post to be closer to his dad during his illness. The bishop has done this for his favored priests. He refused with Father Jim.
His pastor has persecuted him too relentlessly. This is Fr Jim's year to be transferred. Pray for him that he perseveres! Please.
51 posted on 6/30/02 5:00 PM Pacific by Polycarp
A Prayer for PriestsTHE PRIESTHOOD IS A MASTERPIECE OF CHRIST'S DIVINE LOVE, WISDOM AND POWER
Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord, Keep them, for they are Thine - Thy priests whose lives burn out before Thy consecrated shrine.Keep them, for they are in the world. Though from the world apart; When earthly pleasures tempt, allure, - Shelter them in Thy heart.
Keep them, and comfort them in hours Of lonliness and pain, When all their life of sacrifice For souls seems but in vain.
Keep them, and O remember, Lord, They have no one but Thee, Yet they have only human hearts, With human frailty.
Keep them as spotless as the Host, That daily they caress; Their every thought and word and deed, Deign, dearest Lord, to bless.
"Jesus, Mary, I Love You, Save Souls"