“A Call to Holiness: A day dedication for the Sanctification of the Clergy”
-Our Priests Need Us. Let Us Pray for Them.
What is this Day?
This is a SPECIAL DAY for the Archdiocese of Goa. It is dedicated entirely to praying for the sanctification of our priests and deacons. The whole Archdiocese comes together on this one day with one focus: our clergy
What Does “Sanctification” Mean?
Sanctification = becoming holy
We pray that our priests become more like Christ. We ask God to purify, strengthen, and bless them.
At its core, this day is a dual call to action.
1. For the Faithful (That’s Us!)
We are invited to pray intensely for our Archbishop, Auxiliary bishop and all our priests and deacons serving in every parish in our Archdiocese.
Why do they need our prayers?
· They carry heavy burdens—spiritual, emotional, and administrative
· They shepherd communities through grief, joy, and doubt
· They often face deep loneliness and isolation
· They stand at the altar, bring us the Sacraments, and guide us through life’s triumphs and trials
They face the same struggles
· They are human like us
· They face temptations and weariness
· Their shoulders carry not only their own burdens but also the countless confessions and intentions of their flock
What should we pray for?
Pray for
Their hearts to remain ablaze with the love of Christ.
Their strength to be renewed by the Holy Spirit
Their faith to be fortified and made strong
Their courage to preach the Gospel with conviction
Their holiness for personal purity and spiritual protection
Their joy to find happiness in their sacred ministry
Remember: Sustaining them in prayer is not a mere courtesy. It is essential for the vitality of the entire Church.
2. For the Clergy (Our Priests)
This day serves as a spiritual mirror for them.
A Time to Pause
· A moment to step away from the relentless demands of parish life
· A chance to return to the “first love” of their vocation
A Time to Reflect
· To remember their identity—not just as administrators or social workers
· To see themselves as conduits of divine grace
· To reflect on their hearts through the Sacrament of Reconciliation
· To conform their hearts more closely to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
What you can do on 20th August?
· Attend Mass and offer it for our parish priest
· Pray a Rosary for all clergy in Goa
· Send a message to clergy: “I am praying for you today”
· Make a small sacrifice (skip a meal, give up screen time)
· Speak only good things about priests in your home
How to honour priests in our homes?
Speak Well of Them
· Speak well of priests before your children
· Let your words reflect gratitude and respect
· Help young hearts see the beauty of this holy calling
Encourage Vocations
· Encourage your children to walk in righteousness
· Pray that if the Lord wills, they may receive the grace to answer His call to the priesthood
Remember: A vocation is born in the home. Nurture it with faith, love, and prayer.
Let us ask Mary, Mother of all Priests, to keep them close to her heart.
St. Jean Marie Vianney, pray for all clergy serving in the Archdiocese of Goa.
“A holy priesthood leads to a holy Church.”
Sr. Godvina Pereira HC