The Varsitarian

Priests need prayers, too.

The solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus witnessed the Week of Prayer and Gratitude for Priests, a week-long prayer vigil for the clergy last June 14-18 at the Central Seminary chapel.

Priests who had “gone astray” were given prayers and in Hour of Reflection and Discernment, a seminar for aspiring priests that followed after the prayer vigil of the different colleges and faculties in the University.

Organized by the UST Central Seminary, the event was in response to the Conversion, Offering, and Reparation Program of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

Seminarian Noel Vincent Abalajon, UST Theological Society president, said priests also need prayers especially now that reports of sexual misdemeanors by the clergy are rampant and have tainted the image of the priesthood.

“By praying for our priests, we also pray for ourselves as members of the Church and our community.” Abalajon told the Varsitarian.

Earlier that week, local student councils paid tribute to college father regents by showing the documentary video “Alak at Tinapay” to students. The video features the life of priests today.

The Week of Prayer ended with the recitation of the Holy Rosary and the novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, followed by a thanksgiving Mass.