To Pray and To Love

August 4 is known as John Marie Vianney Sunday. A special collection is to be made for the on-going formation of the clergy.

We remember a priest and a saint known to sit at the confessional box for hours. He often sacrificed his meals in order to absolve thousands of penitents from different parts of the world.

He believes that “prayer is nothing but union with God” which stretches our small hearts and makes them capable of loving God. “Prayer also makes time pass very quickly and with such great delight that one does not notice its length…. Some men immerse themselves as deeply in prayer as fish in water, because they give themselves totally to God.”

Let this Sunday be a reminder for our beloved clergy of the priestly value of spending time to hear confessions, of making it a part of their schedule in absolving sinners.

Today’s laity are also exhorted to avail of the parish regular schedule of the sacrament of reconciliation apart from advent and lent seasons, to let them exercise penance whenever needed.

We must never give up but be insistent in our pursuit for holiness. For indeed, to pray and to love is the glorious duty of man.