The village folk were justifiably worried about Fr. Vianney's health. He seemed to show signs of exhaustion despite his robust constitution. An unforgettable fire burned in his sunken blue eyes, and his face became a living image of asceticism. Sometimes he would grow faint, but would manage to rekindle his strength to go on. Meanwhile he increased his mortifications beyond all reason. Some day he would call these excesses "the folly of youth."
From the Remarkable Cure of Ars, by Michele de St. Pierre
A Prayer for Priests by St. Therese of the Child Jesus
O Jesus, eternal Priest, keep your priests
within the shelter of your Sacred Heart
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,sealed
with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit and
may the souls to whom they minister be their
joy and consolation here, and in Heaven their
beautiful and everlasting crown. Amen.
Peace be with you!
______________________
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