by Fr. Robert J Carr

Waltham, MA, USA–In a speech to his priests closing the annual convocation in the Archdiocese of Boston, Archbishop and Cardinal Seán O’Malley called for priests to spend two hours a day in prayer. This includes mass and the breviary, also known as the liturgy of the hours. The practice, which is common among other religious groups, and was highly recommended by the venerable Fulton Sheen is also cited as an important practice by Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium.

Indianapolis Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne formerly of the Archdiocese of Boston, keynoted the gathering and spoke of unity of priests. He called for all to have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ citing that this has not been talk that United States Catholics were used to in previous but recent decades. However, he explained, it is the central element of our faith.

The annual gathering, held in Boston Suburb Waltham, MA at the Westin Hotel is a chance for priests to meet, talk and hear words that will assist them in their daily missions to the parishioners.

Bishop Coyne warned that it is unhealthy for priests to alienate themselves from the support of other priests and called the gathering to remember their need to support one another.

Cardinal O’Malley who is heading up the Vatican’s Commission for the protection of minors, also stated that the bishops believe that the what is known as the Dallas Charter does not at this time need to be altered. The bishops of the United States created The Dallas Charter in 2002 in response to the priest abuse crisis. It maintains strict guidelines for handling accusations against priests. Many priests remain critical of the charter for what they perceive as a guilty until proven innocent approach. However, both Bishop Coyne and Cardinal O’Malley stated that they and other bishops reject the need to make changes to the charter at this time because such changes would also undermine the effective reception of the message of the Church.

The gathering, which ended with Cardinal’s words and blessing, emphasized the message that priests need the support of Christ fostered in a powerful prayer life and the support of brother priests in order to serve their people well.

Canção Nova, based in Brazil, which publishes this blog, has as part of its rules the need to live in prayerful community in service to Christ and His people.

Fr. Carr is the editor of this blog, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston and an alliance member of the Canção Nova Community.