Year of the Priest

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a "Year for Priests" beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 19, 2009; this year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father on June 19, 2010. With the announcement of this Year for Priests, the Pope has declared St. Jean-Marie Vianney as the Universal Patron of Priests on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of the Holy Curé d'Ars.

More information about the "Year of the Priest" is available from the USCCB website by clicking here.