Year for Priests

The example of St John Vianney for priests and vocations today. Assembled here are the considered and inspiring reflections of both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John XXIII on the role of the priest today, on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the death of St John Vianney, patron of parish priests. The Letter and homilies of Pope Benedict on the promulgation of the Holy Year in June 2009 are reproduced, together with the highly pertinent 1959 Encyclical letter of Pope John published on John Vianney's 100th anniversary. They provide an insightful introduction to the Year for Priests and encourage all Christians to reflect on this most important of Saints and on the priesthood itself in the Church today.