Pray for Priests

Today, June 19 2009 the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, is the beginning of the Year for Priests. The priesthood is in the heart of Christ. Let us pray for priests. This will get you started!

More on Myanmar

So what connection does Myanmar have to Yonkers, NY? According to Deacon Druding, priests from Myanmar come to St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie for advanced studies. They return to Myanmar and help the Church there by passing on what they've learned. Vince tells me the seminary in Yangon (Rangoon) Myanmar is named St. Joseph's! Yangon is also home to St. Mary's Cathedral. Myanmar also has shrines to Our Lady of Lourdes.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

On the Road to Mandalay

At the request of the Reverend Mr. Vince Druding, now a transitional Deacon, this week's mission prayer focuses on Myanmar, once known as Burma. You may recall that this name change has the distinction of being featured in and episode of "Sienfeld". J. Peterman tells Elaine that he is in Burma saying, "You most likely know it as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me."

Myanmar is ruled by a military junta that strongly opposes Christianity. The Christians in Myanmar are undergoing severe persecution, yet the Church is doing what it can.

Here's a bit of good news about cyclone relief efforts.