In an interview granted to L'Osservatore Romano, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Hummes, explains the measures proposed for continuous or perpetual Adoration for the sanctification of priests and to promote the spiritual maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary over priests. Excerpts:
Why the urgency in promoting at this time this initiative for the reparation for the faults of priests and their sanctification?
There have always been problems, because we are all sinners. But at the present time truly grievous sins have been pointed out. It must be obviously recalled that only a minimal part of the clergy has been involved in grave situations. Not even one per cent are related to problems of moral and sexual conduct. The immense majority [of priests] have nothing to do with facts of this kind. Yet, all priests have nevertheless the need for spiritual aid to continue to live their own vocation and their own mission in today's world. Besides, the Church has always prayed for the reparation of the sins of all people. This is, for instance, one of the characteristics of the traditional devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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How is the priest seen today?
I always say that priests are to be venerated. Loved. Respected. They spend their entire lives, even though within their limits, for God and for neighbor. They are great benefactors of mankind. They preach and cherish goodness, they help people. What else can society wish for? It is a service which all should recognize and appreciate. In this sense, I believe prayer to be very important to sustain them in their mission.
