Expressions of appreciation mark year for priests, month for clergy

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Pope Benedict XVI declared this a "Year for Priests," and today is the annual "Priesthood Sunday," when area parishes will use receptions and testimonies to honor their priests.

The designated year, which runs to June 19, 2010, is meant to encourage a deepening of the spiritual life of those called to priestly ministry and coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of a saint from France, John Vianney.

Vianney become well known in the 1830s and the early 1840s when up to 300 people a day would flock to his village to go to confession. They sought not only God's forgiveness, but also Vianney's pastoral touch, his encouragement, his spiritual direction and care, according to the Rev. Melvin C. Blanchette, rector of Theological College of the Catholic University of America.

The year will conclude in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the pope on June 9-11.

Marie Gallo, a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, said in a letter to The Bee, "Many priests have played significant roles in my journey of faith." To read her letter, click on the link with this story at www.modbee.com/faithvalues.

October is also Clergy Appreciation Month. Kathy Hardy, a Modesto resident and member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, sent a letter regarding one of her pastors, the Rev. Dave Kerr. Her letter also can be seen at www.modbee.com/faithvalues.