Pray with the Pope Reflection - April 2026

Fr. Edmund Lo, SJ

Thursday, April 23, 2026

My brothers and sisters: In this month of April, our Holy Father invites us to pray for priests who are going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

Our priests are often present in the most vulnerable moments of our lives, when we most need the consoling presence of God. Yet priests are also human and are not immune to challenges in their lives, and some of which turn into moments of crisis.

It is true that in moments of crisis, there may well be lessons to be learnt, challenges to be conquered, and adversities to overcome. But sometimes, our priests just need gentle support.

Our priests answered God’s call to serve his people, and not to appear as Superman. Let us pray that they allow themselves to be vulnerable, so that they don’t feel that they need to appear invincible.

When our lives are all about giving, we mistakenly think that receiving is a sign of weakness or a lack of self-sufficiency. The truth is that receiving is the most fundamental gesture as a Christian: God gives, we receive.

Let us pray that these priests do not isolate themselves, but rather seek and receive the kind of help that they need.

Above all, let us pray that through these challenges, the Lord continues to mould the hearts of these priests into that of a shepherd, hearts that become more and more like the heart of our True Shepherd, Jesus Christ. May God bless you today.