Denver, Colo., Jun 26, 2011 / 11:09 am
Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, was ordained a priest June 29, 1951, in his native Germany. This year marks the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
To honor the pontiff and this milestone, the Vatican Congregation for Clergy is encouraging Catholics worldwide to participate in 60 hours of eucharistic adoration to pray for the sanctification of the clergy and the gift of new priestly vocations.
“To have a spiritual observance of the Holy Father’s anniversary is significant; 60 years of priestly ordination is an important milestone,” said Deacon Charles Parker, director of liturgy for the Denver Archdiocese. “For the Holy Father to then turn that anniversary into something greater for the universal Church shows his ultimate care as the supreme shepherd of the Church for the flock entrusted to him.”
To mark the event in the Archdiocese of Denver, 60 hours of eucharistic adoration will be hosted over five days: June 27 (feast of Sts. Peter and Paul) through July 1, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; with the exception of June 29, when hours will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to accommodate family and work schedules.