Diocese of Victoria in Texas

I am pleased to respond to your request for our diocesan initiatives in observance of the Year for Priests.  The following are the activities that I am personally aware of.

Many individual parishes engaged in their own observances, with Days of Prayer, Benediction, receptions, and dinners honoring their parish priest(s).  On the level of Deaneries, priests came together for Days of Recollection, celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, and sharing of meals.  The practice of Spiritual Bouquets was organized throughout the entire Diocese, with every single priest receiving notice of Spiritual Bouquets offerred by the Faithful.  Also on the diocesan level, the staff of the Chancery Office will host, on May 6, 2010, a celebration for all priests in the Diocese.  The celoebration will include the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, brief speeches of appreciation for the ministry of our priests,small gifts to be distributed to the priests, and a luncheon prepared personally by the Chancery personnel.

There are other events that have taken place or are planned that I have not yet been informed of.  Overeall, the Year for Priests has been a very positive experience for our priests and people alike.

My thanks to you, Your Eminence, for your pastoral concern and for the assistance of your Congregation in the observance of this special Year.  God's continued blessings on you and your collaborators.

Yours Faithfully in Christ,

Most Rev. David E. Fellhauer

Bishop of Victoria in Texas