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Fr John Minh from Sawston has encouraged a group in his own parish which is praying for priests, and is offering help for other parishes to set up similar groups. Austin Shaji reports.
During these difficult times, it is not easy for us to gather together. However, the Vianney Mission Group in Cambridge was inspired to host an hour of prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of Lourdes in Sawston on September 26 for priests and vocations.
The prayers were broadcast on both YouTube and Zoom, and by God’s grace the event was successfully joined by over 120 people online. Fr John Minh gave a short reflection on the significant role of the family for the priesthood: how it is present from the Sacrament of Baptism up until the end of our lives.
Fr John also explained how parents should be open with their children about the vocational life, and the importance of more priestly vocations. The shortage of priests, he said, was linked with the shortage of Christian families.
The Vianney Mission Group is inspired by St John Marie Vianney, who describes priests as the ‘Stewards of God’, and the ‘Distributors of his wealth’.
Our prayers give strength to our beloved Priests to overcome the challenges in this modern world. It was out of a sense of this duty towards our priests that the Vianney Mission for Priests was formed under Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries.
The Mission encourages parishioners to pray for their priests through adoration and prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Since its formation, the Mission has taken root in many dioceses in the UK and spread to America, India, and various European countries.
Vianney Mission members pray firstly for their parish priests, then for the wider community of priests and for the entire Catholic Church. If you would like to form a Vianney Mission Group in your parish, please do not hesitate to contact Fr John Minh at Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint John Fisher Parish (john.minh@rcdea.org.uk or 07754 227468).
He will be happy to put you in contact with the local Vianney Mission groups who may help you to set up a group in your own parish. Information about the dates and times of Vianney Mission Group can be found in the parish bulletin on www.ololsawston.org.uk
Pictured above is the Vianney Mission Group prayer event at Sawston
