THE BEAUTIFUL HANDS OF A PRIEST

Fr Tom Mangattuthazhe posted this beautiful poem on his Facebook page.
Please pray for him and the Mission Home Manja minor seminary of the diocese of Diphu India, where he is the Rector. More to come on the seminary soon. For now please pray for him, all the other priests and seminarians.

THE BEAUTIFUL HANDS OF A PRIEST

We need them in life's early morning,
We need them again at its close;
We feel their warm clasp of true friendship,
We seek them when tasting life's woes.

At the altar each day we behold them,
And the hands of a king on his throne
Are not equal to them in their greatness;
Their dignity stands all alone.

And when we are tempted and wander,
To pathways of shame and of sin,
It's the hand of a priest that will absolve us,
Not once, but again and again.

And when we are taking life's partner,
Other hands may prepare us a feast,
But the hand that will bless and unite us--
Is the beautiful hand of a priest.

When the hour of death comes upon us,
May our courage and strength be increased,
By seeing raised over us in blessing--
The beautiful hands of a priest.

God bless them and keep them all holy,
For the Host which their fingers caress;
When can a poor sinner do better,
Than to ask Him to guide them and bless?
Author Unknown


Fr Peyton - the epitome of a good and holy priest.