On World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, gratitude was shared for the many priests who daily pick up their cross in service to Christ.

Every year on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which fell June 16 this year, the Catholic Church also celebrated its annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This event serves is a time for priests to reflect on their vocations, while the faithful unite in prayer to offer support and encouragement to their priests.

"It’s not easy to carry out priestly ministry in the midst of the challenges presented by the world," Bishop Earl Boyea, chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, said in a news release. "I am grateful for the steadfast faith and holy witness of many priests who daily pick up their cross in service to Christ and the salvation of the world. The World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests is a day when we can pray in a special way for our priests, so they may be faithful stewards and strengthened in their service to the Gospel.

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back to 1679, when it was celebrated for the first time in France, according to Vatican News. Pope Pius IX made it an obligatory celebration for the entire church in 1856.

The annual World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests was established by St. John Paul II in 2002, Vatican News reported. It is always observed 19 days after Pentecost, specifically on a Friday. On this special day, Catholics engage in prayer, particularly reciting the Litany of the Sacred Heart, with the intention of purifying their spirits from sin.

"Let’s pray this week for deeper conversion and greater respect for religious beliefs and shared civic values," Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said June 12 on Twitter. "And especially on Friday, let us ask the Lord to forgive the blasphemies that we see in our society and culture."

Pope Francis shared some thoughts during a Holy Chrism Mass held April 6, according to his homily.

"Dear brothers, I leave you with these thoughts that come from my heart, and I conclude with two simple and important words: Thank you," he said at the conclusion of his homily. "Thank you for your witness and for your service. Thank you for the hidden good you do, and for the forgiveness and consolation that you bestow in God’s name. Always forgive, please, do not withhold forgiveness. Thank you for your ministry, which is often carried out with great effort, with little recognition and is not always understood."

Gomez, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, and Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Religious Liberty, shared a joint statement June 12.

 “Catholic Christians traditionally recognize June as the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus," the statement said. "During this time, we call to mind Christ’s love for us, which is visible in a special way in the image of His pierced heart, and we pray that our own hearts might be conformed to His, calling us to love and respect all His people."