A PRAISE a Priest campaign to encourage and support priests in their challenging lives has been launched in Brisbane archdiocese. Director of Catholic Mission in Brisbane archdiocese David McGovern launched the campaign on the eve of the Feast Day of St Jean Vianney (August 4), who is the patron saint of priests.
Mr McGovern is leading his campaign by example having already faxed six messages of encouragement to priests personally known to him.
He said this year's international Year for Priests celebrations made it timely "to recognise the good job being done by many loyal and humble men in the Church in this archdiocese".
Campaign suggestions for ways in which people can Praise a Priest include:
- Making a cake and dropping it off at the presbytery
- sending a fax, email or personal note indicating a particular area for praise
- offering to do some handy work around the presbytery
- devoting time to praying for a particular priest or priests.
Mr McGovern said many priests "probably wouldn't want or expect any sort of affirmation".
"However, I'm sure if it was forthcoming they'd be extremely grateful," he said.
A recent 70th birthday party for Victoria Point parish priest Fr Leo Burke was a great example of the way in which priests could touch many hundreds of lives throughout their ministry, he said.
"Fr Leo arrived back from overseas to a party involving more than 200 guests including relatives, friends and parishioners. The party showed how people cherish connecting with these men of God," Mr McGovern said.
"In much the same way, the Praise a Priest campaign can help people throughout Brisbane archdiocese affirm the contribution made by special priests in their lives."
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