Multan: May 29, 2010. (PCP) In this month of June, the “Year of the Priests” comes to a close. On June 19, 2009, on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, His Holiness Benedict XVI solemnly inaugurated this “Year for Priests” (June 2009 – June 2010). It coincided with 150th anniversary of the birth into everlasting life of St. John Mary Vianney, whom Pope Pius XI declared in 1929 the Patron Saint of Parish Priests and whom Pope Benedict XVI declared the Patron Saint of our priests. At the solemn proclamation for the “Year of the Priests” His Holiness Benedict XVI, said, “that this year was meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world”. Thus, this year has been a real grace to provide a profound opportunity for a greater union and identification with Christ the High Priest. In the diocese of Multan, we are grateful to God for this “Year of the Priests”, was celebrated with a wonderful apostolic zeal and devotion throughout this year, the priests in the Southern Punjab regularly came together to pray, and to celebrate together the gift and the mystery of the priestly vocation in the celebration of the Eucharist. Through the regular celebration of the Sacrament of Confession, there was a sincere striving for the spiritual growth and perfection, and a deep realization of the divine mercy in our lives. May the year of grace help our priests to become genuinely holy and holy priests, on fire with love of God and those entrusted to our pastoral care. May the Holy Spirit bless all our Priests with a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love will always increase in their priestly life and service.