THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST

"The centrality of Christ leads to a correct valuation of ordained ministry." - Pope Benedict XVI.

The Holy Father has decided to name the coming year "The Year of the Priest," and is asking all Catholics, especially the Church's Priests, seminarians, and priestly candidates to focus their attention on the unique importance of our ordained ministers and the continuation of Christ's ministry on earth through them. The Pope said in his remarks on this decision that without priestly ministry, there would be no Eucharist, no mission and even no church. I was blessed to have been asked by a very good friend of mine, a priest I have known for many years, to complete this drawing as an emblem of the year for use in publications of his own (and hopefully of our Diocese) drawing attention to the intention of this upcoming year of reflection. I have included both the original composition and one that I added text to. I hope you are as pleased with the result as I am!