Dear Lord, You have called me to be your priest. Thank you for this great honor.
Help me to be a shepherd after your own heart, One who leads your people with wisdom and compassion, And who is always faithful to your teachings.
Grant me the grace to be ever mindful of my own weakness, And to rely always on your strength and guidance, So that I may serve you and your people well.
In the footsteps of the great saints and martyrs of the Church, May I be a witness to your love and mercy, And a light to those who are lost in the darkness.
Bless, O Lord, your Church with holy and faithful priests, Who will give themselves entirely to your service, And who will lead your people to eternal life with you.
Through the intercession of Our Lady, Queen of Priests, May I be a faithful and loving servant of your holy will, Now and always. Amen.
Further insights into Pastores Dabo Vobis (i Will Give You Shepherds)
Pastores Dabo Vobis is a Catholic prayer that is traditionally used to pray for priests and seminarians.
The prayer takes its name from the Latin phrase, meaning “I Will Give You Shepherds,” and is inspired by the biblical call to pastoral ministry.
The prayer was written by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1992, as part of his efforts to promote priestly vocations and encourage young men to consider a life of service in the Church.
Pastores Dabo Vobis emphasizes the importance of a priest’s spiritual formation, and the need for priests to be men of prayer, virtue, and pastoral charity.
The prayer has been widely used by Catholic communities around the world, as a way of showing support for seminarians and praying for an increase in priestly vocations.
In recent years, the prayer has taken on added significance in light of the challenges facing the priesthood and the Church more broadly.
Even as the Church grapples with scandal and division, Pastores Dabo Vobis remains a powerful expression of hope and faith in the transforming power of God’s grace, and the potential of the priesthood to bring about renewal and healing in the Church and the world.
Overall, the history of Pastores Dabo Vobis is a testament to the enduring importance of prayer and petition for the well-being of the Church and those called to serve in it.