His holiness Pope Benedict XVI established a special year for priests in 2009. The hope was to “encourage priests as they strive for spiritual perfection because, of course, on this the effectiveness of their ministry depends.”
Ten years later, on the 160th anniversary of John Vianney, patron saint of priests, his holiness Pope Francis addressed a letter to priests saying in part; “I write to all my brother priests who have quietly “left all behind” in order to immerse yourselves like the Cure of Ars “in the trenches”, bearing the burden of the day, confronting an endless variety of situations in your effort to care for and accompany God’s people. Despite the hardships of the journey, you are writing the finest pages of the priestly life.”
Stories of Faith is a book of inspiration, hope, and encouragement for all believers traveling on a path to God. It consists of prayers and journal entries that will inspire any on the road to redemption. So, take up your walking stick and journey with those who’ve been on this road for years and let your story meld with theirs. Each faith journey is significant and, in the end, not as different as we would like to believe.
