They are human, but they must occupy a divine office.
They must stand as Thy substitute before the eyes of the people.
Their hands must be pure enough to draw Thee down from heaven and strong enough to life the people to Thy heights.
They must speak the truth with courage.
Their lives must be Christlike, the mercy and tenderness modeled on Thine.
I pray that Thou, who in the Eucharist depend on them, will give Thy priests the graces that they need.
Give to young men a compelling vocation to serve Thee.
Give to priests the desire to do well their work, Thy work.
Make us respectful, reverent, and appreciative toward them.
Grant them the grace to be priests not unworthy of Thee, our High Priest.
Amen.