The "Angelus" and the "Magnificat" of the Priest

Mary [to the priest]: "I was greeted by the Angel as full of grace, and I pour out this grace into you, in your ministry, my son. The Angel told me: 'The Lord is with you, you are blessed among women' (Luke 1:28,42), and I give you Jesus in the fullness of your love, so that you may be blessed among the souls you care for and for whom you toil. You generate Jesus on the altar and regenerate Him in souls who have lost Him; you regenerate Him with sacramental grace and give Him in the Eucharist.

You are my son, and you resemble me because I am your mother. The essence of your priestly life lies in your union with the divine will in your mission: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord' (Luke 1:38). It is all in conformity to Jesus: 'Let it be done to me according to your word' (Luke 1:38). The words of Jesus are the light of your life, the guide of your actions, your wisdom that makes you a teacher in the Church.

O my son, you are a priest, you are a glorifier of God, One and Triune, and your soul is all a hymn of glory to God in the Mass you celebrate, in the Office you recite, in the penances you do. You, like me your mother: 'My soul magnifies the Lord' (Luke 1:46). Minister of God's mercy, you rejoice in saving: 'My spirit rejoices in God my Savior' (Luke 1:47). Worshiper of God in the humility of your soul, you draw His gaze. He looks upon your humility and embraces you, gives you peace and the beatitude of your soul.

O my son, I bless you and in my Heart I vivify you, and in my love, I console you."

(From Don Dolindo's "Letters to the priests", Naples, July 25, 1965.)

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Author’s Note: If you would like to read more about Don Dolindo’s spirituality, check out this book: Don Dolindo’s Spiritual Guidance.

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