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In the history of the Church we can think of eras that were marked by persecution that targeted clergy. Destroy the shepherd, scatter the sheep. Imagine the days of the early persecutions, England in the time of Elizabeth I, the French Revolution, the Cristeros uprising etc.,.... We could quickly list case upon case where the enemies of the Church, enemies of Christ, knew they had to eliminate the priests. Why? Because without the priest there could be no Eucharist and no absolution of sin. No priest. No Eucharist.
The priesthood is such a gift and we often take it for granted, as if we will always have these men in our midst who have given their entire lives for the salvation of others. Let us thank God for this gift, and while we are at it, let us show our priests our gratitude as well.
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