The Curé d'Ars Prayer Group
For the bishop and priests of the Raleigh, NC Diocese.
Devotions
Prayer for one Aspiring to the Priesthood (Pope Leo XIII)
O My God, I am unworthy, most unworthy, to serve in the ministry of the priesthood, though which is offered on thy altars the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ. I am in no way worthy of this honor, bring a miserable sinner, a mere nothing, even less than nothing by reason of my malice, fit for nothing but to commit sin.
But while I feel within me an impulse drawing me to the ecclesiastical state, and of myself cannot tell whether it be presumption on my part or an inspiration from Thee, I humble myself before Thee, and I pray Thee to enlighten me to know if it be in accordance with thy good pleasure, for I would do nothing contrary to thy will.
Do Thou, therefore, who art the Light of the world, shine forth in my heart, and if this thought is a call from Thee, give me the grace to obey it promptly, and worthily to correspond with it. But if, O Lord, Thou dost not call me to the priestly ministry, or Thou seest that as a member of it I should not be a good priest, but rather a dis-edification and a scandal to the Church, never permit me to enter a state which would be my damnation.
Most holy, Virgin, Mother of God, and Mother of good counsel, do thou support my poor prayer, and may I have the grace from our Lord by thy merits and intercession in all things to regulate my actions, not by my own, but by thy holy Will.
One Pater, Ave, Gloria. Amen