November 18, 2009. This is one of the five most important basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major,  where the first Thursday of every month is dedicated to a very special event.

During this Year for Priests, many people gather here to pray so that priests can be holy.

“So it  is very important that we all join together to pray for our priests, pray for each and every one of them, then they may be holy as God wants.”

“It is important to pray for vocations, because as the Cure of Ars says, the vocation to the priesthood is the most exciting adventure that can touch a man on earth ".

The Vatican organized this vigil and welcomed all to attend.

Pope Benedict XVI summoned The Year for Priests as a tribute to the dedication of the priests. Its patron is the Cure of Ars.

Since 2000 the number of priests has risen by 1%.

The number of new priests has grown particularly in Africa and Asia, perhaps thanks to vigils like these.

MC/BR
--WP