Pope John Paul II wrote of the priesthood as a 'gift and mystery'. Prayer, Marian devotion, retreats and spiritual reading, sacramental and pastoral ministry, all contribute to a priest's awareness of the divine origin of his vocation.

There is an element of mystery, sacredness and holiness that characterizes the priest who is sent into the world and into the everyday lives of people.

Priests need time to pray and reflect on the Scriptures and the Divine Office (the universal prayer of the Church). They must also dedicate time to prayer, reading and study to enable them to fulfil their task of proclaiming the Christ to the modern world.