At the dawn of the New Evangelisation, in Ars we are all invited to glimpse amid different historical circumstances what is perennial and most urgent in the life of a priest today. I see many signs of the renewal of the Catholic Priesthood in our time not least in the generosity of the candidates who come forward in increasing numbers to offer their lives to Christ in the Catholic Priesthood, a generosity which invariably arises from their Eucharistic faith and love. I see in this the clearest promise of the renewal and the perennial youthfulness of the Catholic Priesthood for all generations to come.

I find that much of my priestly ministry is a matter of nourishing hope in the Christian faithful. The Christian vision is grandiose—it’s awesome—but we need not be intimidated by its scope. We can be encouraged by the recognition that the Lord has given us all that we need in order tocarry out his commands. 

Looking to the future, the Church will need priests who are deeply rooted in God, interiorly free, and committed lifelong disciples. They must be capable evangelists, able to communicate the Gospel with clarity and conviction in a rapidly changing culture, and missionary leaders who can guide communities with wisdom, vision, and compassion.

When I pray the Prayer of Absolution over someone, I recognise that I’m also a sinner and not worthy to be God’s minister of forgiveness. At the same time I also yearn for the time when I can go to confession and receive the same mercy and forgiveness.