Robert Delaney | The Michigan Catholic Cardinal Adam Maida, along with priests and auxiliary bishops from throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, blesses the chrism oil at the annual chrism Mass March 20. At the Mass,

This month of September, as we continue to reflect on the history of our local Church, we give thanks to God for 175 years of ministerial service by those who share in the sacrament of Holy Orders – bishops, priests and deacons. We rejoice in the nine men who have served as our chief shepherds, the thousands of men who have given their lives as diocesan and religious order priests, and the gift and blessing of the 178 permanent deacons now serving our Church. Even as we rejoice in the names of well-known leaders, we also remember the countless humble pastors, associates and religious order clergy who lived and died preaching, celebrating the Mass and the sacraments, and giving direction and guidance to God's people. We rejoice in the past and pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life, priests and deacons after the pattern of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we give thanks to you for the way you continually raise up loving shepherds after the mind and heart of Christ your Son. As you have blessed our Church of Detroit with dedicated and loving bishops, priests and deacons throughout our history, continue to guide and sustain those who now serve in your name and inspire more men to hear the call to a lifetime of ordained service in your name.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.