A priest’s ordination anniversary is a day of thanksgiving for the whole parish. Here are eight complete sets of prayers of the faithful for an anniversary Mass, whether a first anniversary or a silver (25th), golden (50th) or diamond (60th) jubilee. Each set prays for the Church, for civil leaders, for the priest celebrating his anniversary, for all priests, for vocations and for the parish, and ends with two optional intentions: one for local needs (I) and one for the faithful departed (II).
How to use these prayers
- Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
- Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
- Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
- Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
- Use the priest’s name in the intention for the jubilarian, for example “For Father N., celebrating twenty-five years of priesthood.”
Option 1: Prayers of the Faithful for an Ordination Anniversary
- For the Church, that she may continue to call forth faithful ministers to serve God’s people and bear witness to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our civil authorities, that they may uphold the rights of the Church and promote the dignity of all people, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may be renewed in the Holy Spirit and zealously proclaim the Word of God, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all priests, that their lives may be a living testimony to Christ’s love and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish community, that we may support our priests and encourage them in their sacred ministry, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For those who have died, that they may have eternal rest, let us pray to the Lord.
Option 2: For the Priest and His Family
- For the holy Catholic Church, that she may continue to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and be a light to all nations, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our civic leaders, that they may create opportunities for growth and progress in society, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may find renewed fulfillment and purpose in their vocation, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families of priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that their homes may be filled with joy and support for their ministry, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those discerning a call to priesthood, that they may be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the Son of Man may grant his salvation to those who have died, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 3: For the Holy Father and All Priests
- For our Holy Father, Pope N., that God may grant him strength and wisdom to guide the Church with love and truth, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our political leaders, that they may uphold the principles of justice for the good of all, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may minister with renewed courage and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all priests, that they may be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, leading their flocks with wisdom and love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish family, that we may be a welcoming community supporting one another’s spiritual journey, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For our brothers and sisters who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially [Names], that the Lord may welcome them into paradise, we pray to you, O Lord.
Option 4: For Bishops and Faithful Ministers
- For all bishops, that they may lead their flocks with holiness of life and zeal for the salvation of souls, let us pray to the Lord.
- For government leaders, that they may uphold the principles of justice and human dignity, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may minister with renewed humility and a spirit of service, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all priests, that they may be faithful ministers of the Gospel and shepherds to God’s people, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be a sign of Christ’s love, supporting one another in faith, let us pray to the Lord..
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the Son of Man may grant his salvation to those who have died, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 5: For Priests as Stewards of the Mysteries
- For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of hope and truth in the world, let us pray to the Lord.
- For national leaders, that they may promote justice, peace, and the common good, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may minister with renewed joy and zeal for souls, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all priests, that they may be faithful stewards of God’s mysteries and servants of the people, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be a community of faith, love, and service, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all who have died after a long illness or sudden tragedy, especially [Names], that they may now enjoy everlasting peace with God, we pray to you, O Lord.
Option 6: For Vocations to the Priesthood
- For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, that many generous souls may respond to the Lord’s call, let us pray to the Lord.
- For civic leaders, that they may work for the common good, guided by justice, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may minister with renewed love and compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may lead their flocks with wisdom and courage as faithful witnesses to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be a welcoming and supportive family of faith, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. For all who have died after a long illness or sudden tragedy, especially [Names], that they may now enjoy everlasting peace with God, we pray to you, O Lord.
Option 7: For Christian Unity and the Priesthood
- For the unity of all Christians, that all may be one, as Christ desires, let us pray to the Lord.
- For elected officials, that they may uphold justice and human dignity, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may serve with renewed humility and commitment, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may be faithful ministers of the Gospel and good shepherds, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish, that we may be a community of faith, love and service, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the Son of Man may grant his salvation to those who have died, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
Option 8: For a Parish Giving Thanks
- For the Church, that she may continue to be a beacon of truth for all who seek God, let us pray to the Lord.
- For government leaders, that they may uphold justice and the common good, let us pray to the Lord.
- For priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may minister with renewed courage and faithfulness, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all priests celebrating their ordination anniversary, that they may be faithful witnesses leading their flocks with wisdom and love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our parish community, that we may be a welcoming and supportive family of faith, let us pray to the Lord.
I. For our sick, bereaved, etc., special projects or events, let us pray to the Lord.
II. That the Son of Man may grant his salvation to those who have died, especially N., let us pray to the Lord.
A sample introduction and closing prayer
The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.
Introduction:
With joy we give thanks for the gift of the priesthood in the life of Father N. Let us pray for him and for all whom God calls to serve his people.
Concluding prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you called Father N. to share in your priesthood. Hear the prayers of your people, keep him faithful and joyful in your service, and send many laborers into your harvest. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What are the names of priestly jubilees?
A silver jubilee marks 25 years of priesthood, a golden jubilee 50 years, and a diamond jubilee 60 years. Many parishes also celebrate the first anniversary and the 10th.
Who chooses the intentions?
Usually the parish staff or the committee organizing the celebration, in consultation with the priest.
Can we have a Mass offered for a priest?
Yes. Parishioners often request a Mass intention for their priest on his anniversary. See Mass intentions.
Related prayers
- Prayers of the Faithful for priests and religious
- Prayers of the Faithful for newly ordained deacons
- Prayers of the Faithful for vocations
- Mass intentions
- Prayers of the Faithful for a jubilee Mass
Sources
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1536 and following (the sacrament of Holy Orders).