Catholic Priesthood and ‘Year of the Priests’
‘The sheep are calling;
The flocks are swelling;
Good shepherds are a dearth,
Upon the mighty earth! ’
All sheep need good shepherds;
Sans shepherds good, they are mere herds,
That cannot find the pastures green,
With grass that’s fit on global scene.
Good shepherds know each sheep by name;
They do not work for pay or fame;
They know the wolf’s, many a game;
Their staff protects the sheep that’s lame!
Priests are the good shepherds of God;
They woo the souls away from rod;
They serve by being celibate,
And show humanity, God’s Gate.
They say the Holy Mass each day;
They preach and fast, fervently pray;
They drive the devils out, away,
Suffer for Jesus, come what may!
They change bread to body of Christ;
They change the wine to blood of Christ;
They forgive sins like Jesus Lord;
They tell the world the Divine Word.
Priesthood is one of sacraments;
Priests know the Old, New Testaments;
Their work is worth more than all gold;
They bring more souls unto God’s fold!
This is the ‘Year of Catholic priest’.
Lord Jesus waits with His great Feast;
Happy are souls, even the least;
God saves all sinners from the Beast.
Priests take vows for a divine role –
To lead souls to God’s Abode – goal.
Those worldly ones are merely fools!
God chooses priests to be pure souls.
‘Priesthood is passion great for Christ –
The profession that’s one highest;
The goal of men who are wisest –
Who live for Jesus’ sake, diest.’
Dedicated to all Catholic Priests world-over,
On behalf of ‘Holy Family Church Parish, Perundurai, TN, India.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 28-6-2009
poem by John Celes
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Related quotes
Sonnet: God's Warning to Shepherds!
‘My sheep lie scattered and not tended well.
I'll find new shepherds who will do this job;
To ones who failed their duty, ‘twill be hell;
From me, my sheep, no one can ever rob! '
‘Disaster to shepherds who don't take care
Of my loved sheep, who leave my pastures green;
I'll get new shepherds, fearless and will dare,
Preventing sheep, from getting lost from scene! '
‘In prophets, priests, now Godlessness prevails;
They do not preach to people what's God-say;
They tell own versions and their made-up tales,
Deluding people, leading sheep astray! '
‘So, prophesy what comes from Yahweh's mouth.'
The Lord declares, ‘Just speak the Gospel's truth! '
poem by John Celes
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Life of a Roman Catholic Priest
A priest is nearest Christ;
A priest is Christ at times;
A priest is almost Christ;
A priest is most divine.
A priest is God’s shepherd;
A priest must tend to flock;
A priest must be like ‘rock’;
A priest should ne’er defrock.
A priest communes with God;
A priest draws hope from Lord;
A priest shows love of Christ;
A priest carries His Cross!
A priest is tempted too;
A priest has falls in life;
A priest falters also;
A priest has strength from Christ.
A priestly job is tough;
A priest’s life can turn rough;
A priest has strife enough,
But has to smile and laugh!
A priest helps harvest souls;
A priest has many roles;
A priest has but one goal –
To drink from Christ’s own bowl!
Pray that more priests should come;
May priests curb their freedom;
May priest usher Kingdom;
A life for Christ’s welcome.
Fondly dedicated to Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius,
Beloved Parish priest, ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai
Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-7-2010
poem by John Celes
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Go, Tell It On The Mountain
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
Our jesus christ is born
When I was just a learner
I sought by night and day
To have the good lord help me
To guide me on my way
For I am like a shepherd
My hopes and faith to guard
Each day I find the answer
And love is my reward
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
Our jesus christ is born
The shepherds kept their watching
Oer silent flocks by night
When lo! throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
The shepherds feared and trembled
When high above the earth
Rang out an angels chorus
To hail our saviors birth
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
Our jesus christ is born
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
Our jesus christ is born
Our jesus, jesus christ is born
That jesus christ is born
Go and tell, tell it on the mountain
That jesus christ, christ is born
song performed by by Diana Ross
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Parables of Jesus: ‘The Lost Sheep’
A shepherd with his hundred sheep,
Was grazing them in a meadow green;
When to his horror he noticed
That one was missing from the flock:
‘It wandered off and had got lost! ’
‘It wandered off and had got lost! ’
He left the ninety-nine behind
In the open, open country-side;
He went in search of the missing one,
And finding, lifted it with love,
Placed it on his shoulders, neck,
And came back to his flock with joy;
And came back to his flock with joy.
“Rejoice! I’ve found my sheep,
Just one out of a hundred fold,
One that was lost sometime ago,
I love it dearly anyhow!
Rejoice, my friends and neighbors all,
The sheep that was lost is found;
The sheep that was lost is found! ”
Sheep that was lost is like a soul,
Afilled with sins, and far from God;
And when a sinner repents then,
There’s much rejoicing in heaven;
There’s much rejoicing in heaven!
Lost sheep is like a sinner who
Commits sins and has strayed from God;
But God of love for all creatures,
Seeks him out without delay when
He has atoned for his sins,
And soul comes back to Maker’s fold;
And soul comes back to Maker’s fold.
The Good Shepherd – Lord Jesus Christ
Was sent to earth to be born man
in utter poverty and strife,
And suffer for the sins of all;
And suffer for the sins of all.
He came to earth to preach God’s Word
Of forgiveness of mankind’s sins;
He sought just sinners and not saints,
And made their hearts truly repent,
And saved them from the fiery hell,
Whither unrepentant souls go;
Whither unrepentant souls go.
The Good Shepherd is Jesus Christ,
Who came to preach the Word of God;
He sought the sinners’ souls all lost,
Explained to them about God’s love,
And the need to feel sorry,
As God’s ready to forgive sins,
No matter how many / grievous;
No matter how many / grievous!
Joy fills heaven, Abode of God,
And angels rejoice much more when
A penitent sinner repents,
And soul embraces God again;
And soul embraces God again;
Copyright by Dr John Celes 12-09-’10
poem by John Celes
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‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’, Rev. & Dear Father
Praise the day when you were born;
Thank the Lord for this great morn;
Sing good hymns and blow your horn;
Pray for parents for God’ altar, you now adorn!
God chose you from the rest of flock,
To be a Shepherd with a frock;
And guide all safely to the Rock,
That quenches thirst of souls that knock!
A priestly life’s closest to God!
You are one most beloved to the Lord;
Live your life as per His Word;
Fight satan with this divine sword!
The love of God will guide you through
The trials, travail that you woo;
The harvest work is tough to do,
But God will find more, when time’s due!
The shepherd runs, trudges and walks;
The Holy Spirit in him talks;
He gives the wisdom, power of staff;
Oh, let wolves come and hyenas laugh!
You have done well so far but still
More things will happen by God’s Will;
May grace of God, your soul afill,
And show the way in vale, uphill!
You have a flock to tend night/ day;
You have to put them in God’s way;
You have to tell what is God’s Say;
You have to sacrifice and pray!
Blessed is the man of God;
He speaks like Jesus, every word;
Like Christ Lord, he shepherds the herd;
All live with God in accord.
Your work can’t be extolled by word;
Your earthly life can be bit hard;
In heaven will be your reward;
This is to you my Birthday Card!
Fondly dedicated to Rev & Dear Father Xavier Claudius,
Parish Priest, ‘Holy Family Church’, Perundurai, Erode, Tamilnadu, India
On his birthday, by families and parishners
Copyright by Dr John Celes 27-10-2010
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sonnet: The Name of Jesus…
The name of Jesus gives us grace anew;
The name of Jesus cures minds of evils;
The name of Jesus portrays divine view;
The name of Jesus drives away devils.
The name of Jesus works great miracles;
The name of Jesus brings solace to all;
The name of Jesus flashes parables;
The name of Jesus makes a clarion call!
The name of Jesus wards off dangers great;
The name of Jesus acts like holy knives!
The name of Jesus changes sad a fate;
The name of Jesus saves all sinners’ lives.
The name of Jesus will convert a soul;
The name of Jesus leads souls to God’s goal!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 7-5-2006
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sonnet: The Flocks Need More Shepherds
Shepherds are turning scarcer, day by day!
Fragmented flocks have lesser sheep in fold;
With many lost, many sheep go astray;
Devils on rampage trouble, young and old.
Meadows have lesser grass that's succulent;
More sheep want better grass, water to drink;
The climes these days are turning turbulent;
The few shepherds are old-aged, on death's brink!
Shepherdless stay some flocks for many days;
They do not know the shepherd or his call!
The shepherd does not know his sheep by face;
From wolves' attack, there is no staff to stall!
Yet, God will find the shepherds in strange ways;
All righteous find their way through earthly maze!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 15-07-12
poem by John Celes
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Sonnet: Lord Jesus Christ - the Good Shepherd
Christ Jesus Lord is Good Shepherd - the one,
Who is ready to sacrifice His life,
For sake of sheep He leads, and He is Son
Of God, Redeemer and saves all from strife!
Christ gave His life upon the cross for all,
And shed His blood as price for mankind's sins,
So that the penitent can hear God's call,
And enter heaven with pure soul and wins.
The Good Shepherd has other sheep to lead,
For they too heed His call and follow Him;
For all His sheep in flock one, need to feed,
Returning safely when the light turns dim!
Christ is the owner of the flock of sheep;
With Good Shepherd around, no wolves dare peep!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 28-04-2012
poem by John Celes
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On Becoming a Priest…
Tomorrow may not come at all;
Listen today to Jesus’ call;
Now is the time to truly act;
This is the truth of life and fact.
The man of poverty can shine,
More than the moon or sun so fine;
Humble yourself and make accord
For life, with Almighty God, Lord.
Stands before him, the Holy Cross;
God shows that Jesus Christ is boss;
The Monstrance is Christ’s earthly home;
The penitent is most welcome.
Only the soul pure can commune,
And walk or run to divine tune;
The Eucharist is prime in life,
No matter any kind of strife.
The body, blood of Jesus Christ
Is food for any holy priest;
Nothing can deter when God calls,
For Jesus lifts you up from falls!
The greatest gift of life from God
Is returned back to Jesus Lord;
The world or devils can’t stop you
From love of God, that you thus do.
The grace of God strengthens your soul,
And brazens you up for new role;
And if your calling is so true,
God gives you every kind of cue.
Ascertaining your love for Him,
While crave for world turns very dim,
The oracle is very clear;
The road to heaven brings no fear.
One needs to do much sacrifice,
And give up every kind of vice;
For anyone can turn a saint,
When grace of God becomes soul’s paint!
The Lord will surely help you out
From obstacles, without a doubt;
For, priesthood is the clarion call
For man to enter God’s own hall.
Ordination is Sacrament
Most Holy, and most paramount;
God’s love encompasses the soul;
Service to God becomes prime goal.
The road to heaven becomes straight;
Eternity with God is fate;
Bringing more souls to God is prime;
God shows the way in His own time!
Love priesthood, man for God beckons,
And Jesus Christ Himself reckons;
Rewards in Heaven you await,
However narrow be its gate!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-12-10
poem by John Celes
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‘holy Family Church House-warming, Perundurai, T.n.’
Excerpt from Dr John Celes’ Welcome Speech
(to be held on 05-02-2010)
The Shepherd comes to meet his flock,
And bless the church that’s newly built,
Wherein an older church had stood on rock –
A sacred ground of prayer for Catholics!
Let’s welcome him; let’s welcome him, ye sheep!
He brings with him his staff that protects us;
This is the time our hearts with joy must weep;
The anointing will give us greater bliss.
Let’s thank the Lord for giving us this house
Of prayer to worship the ‘King of kings’;
Let everyone take Jesus Christ as spouse,
And tread the road to heaven as earthlings.
The Church though small looks splendidly laid out;
It has been christened ‘Holy Family Church’;
Our parish is a small one without doubt,
Nevertheless, peeps in internet-search!
The flock is one led by our parish priest,
Father Claudius, a dynamic, young man!
Who works hard without mistakes in the least;
‘May God give him good health and long life-span! ’
Our heart-felt thanks to Bishop and all souls
Who gave the land for building the new Church;
Our hearty thanks to all who played new roles,
And doled the sums that can now help to preach.
God made it possible to build His house!
Let’s worship Him with masses, hymns and pray;
Let’s reach the world at the click of a mouse!
And preach the Word of God by night and day.
We thank You God for giving us this place,
And worship Jesus Christ, as a family;
Let sweat of foreheads reinforce this base,
And help to rear this provident LILY!
Dedicated to: The Most. Rev. Dr. Thomas Aquinas M.A., DCL.,
Bishop of Coimbatore diocese
Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius, the Parish priest and
All parishners of ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai, T.N., ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-11-2010
poem by John Celes
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Sonnet: God TV’s Tenth Birthday
A charismatic couple rings in souls;
Their aim to bring Jesus to homes turns true;
They deliver the Bible through ‘Sky-holes’!
A billion souls, Holy Spirit will woo.
Their dream divine is almost realized;
A global seed was sowed for Christ’s message;
Most human beings now look devilized;
God TV is a golden history page!
The Holy Scripture touches hearts anew;
The Word of God will do great miracles;
Minds, bodies, souls will heal in divine view;
Freed will be souls from devils’ tentacles.
This is God TV’s real, short story;
Glory to God and Wendy and Rory.
Copyright by Dr John Celes (India) 10-1-2005
Dedicated to the divine couple and family
On the 10th anniversary of ‘God TV’
At Jerusalem.
poem by John Celes
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A Wilderness Ministry
John the Baptist
was a voice crying
in the wilderness
preparing a way
for coming Jesus Christ
power of Holy Spirit
are there now
no voices crying
in the wilderness?
Is there now
no need for a ministry
like most righteous John?
God will use hands
offered even unclean hands
God will make clean.
Lost souls in wilderness
God will send nomadic shepherds
reclaiming preparing a way
angels are separating lost
sheep from among herd goats
Jesus Christ Holy Spirit
are still seeking
lost sheep bleating longing
to be rescued saved.
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Let love of Jesus Christ…
Let love of Jesus Christ
Goad you to spread the Word
Across the world to all
And gather souls for God.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to sacrifice
Your life to follow Him
On the road to heaven.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Make you carry your cross
And walk in the footsteps
Of Christ to Calvary.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Serve to encounter Him
In miraculous ways
Reinforcing your faith.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to realize
The aim of earthly life
Is keeping soul sinfree.
Let love of Jesus Christ
Help you to sing and pray
For conversion of souls
And that more may see God!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 9-6-2010
poem by John Celes
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Listen to Jesus’ Call
The man I know as Jesus,
Is Son of God, Most High;
-Conceived by Holy Spirit
In Virgin Mary’s womb!
He came to save all sinners
By death upon the cross;
He resurrected third day,
And showed his Godly powers!
What love has Father shown us!
Though earthlings don’t deserve;
He sacrificed His Son’s life,
To pay souls’ freedom price!
Now all can go to heaven,
If we can follow Christ;
Take up your cross and walk then
In footsteps of the Lord.
Renounce the work of devils;
Put trust in Jesus Christ;
He comes to judge all mankind,
When He comes second time!
Repent for sins of past years;
Reconcile with the Lord;
Remember Heaven’s nigh
For righteous and upright.
Jesus can forgive sins all;
Just ask and be made pure;
He waits in Heaven’s glory
For every soul, He made!
Oh, what a wonder God is!
He’s awesome, most loving;
His mercy is infinite
Listen to Jesus’ call!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-11-2009
poem by John Celes
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Serve Fresh Bread Daily (1)
Anointed has a priest to be
Through holy oil the truth to see
Secrets of God they understand
Revealed to them in Jesus’ hand
But some still try to preach of sin
Without God’s Holy Ghost within
Using sweet words none to offend
They’ll only speak of God as friend
A God who’s heart’s so full of peace
His grace and love will never cease
They’ll take great care to choose each word
An angry God is seldom heard
With such stale bread they’ll feed God’s church
No wonder sheep through hunger search
For pastures green, by Jesus led
To a priest not spiritually dead
No priest should preach to fill their purse
Otherwise they’ll reap God’s curse Eze.34: 2
If Christ The Lord we’ll truly please
We’ll seek His face upon our knees
No child of God is mocked for long
Eating stale bread, washed down with song
The Lord sees well His children’s plight
From these shepherds, they’ll take their flight
So priest of God be not deceived
Speak the truth so God’s not grieved
Give through His Son your spiritual best
Then stand aside; He’ll do the rest
When called, you’ll know these words are true
That God awaits much fruit from you –Jn.15: 2
So from the flock that none should fall
Let’s make The Lord our one and all…PTO…
poem by Michael P. Johnson
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Prophet, Priest And King
An Angel came to shepherds at night with Good News in which to bring,
A Savior’s been born to you today, who is a Prophet, Priest and King.
The shepherds filled with great joy praised The Lord from the start,
Mary hearing them praise her boy, pondered these things in her heart.
Visiting the Temple at age twelve Christ spoke with much insistence,
And speaking to Mary would tell her He’s about His Father’s business.
For Christ was not just another man but He is Almighty God Incarnate,
He was sent into The Holy Land and revealed as God’s final Prophet.
He was spoken of by Moses as the prophet like him, who would come,
And this Prophet knows all about us for He is God’s One and Only Son.
Many men were prophets in the past and used by God as He had willed,
And Jesus, my friend, was the last, as prophecy in Him was fulfilled.
The Old Testament economy of then since that time, friend has ceased,
And Jesus is now The Way for all men, from the greatest to the least.
No longer one ordained by men, Christ is our Heavenly Eternal Priest,
He is the final Priest my friend, to bring all men God’s Eternal peace.
The Jews mocked Jesus as a king, but that is exactly what Christ is,
And He’s coming back as Eternal King, with all those He knows as His.
He is the final revelation from God no matter what this world thinks,
And He’s coming with an iron rod to reign as Lord and King of Kings.
A Catholic House-warming Prayer
By sweat of human forehead built,
And money earned in honest ways;
Reside good Christians within it;
God bless this family always!
O Holy Spirit, Dove of peace,
Preserve love, faith and unity;
Help us to live our life with ease
Through fortitude and piety.
O Mother Mary, pray for us!
Ask Jesus Christ to ever bless,
And keep our souls in grace of God,
Until we part to His abode!
Saint Joseph, show us God is first,
And how to be a father best;
And teach our children about Christ,
And emulate the Holy Nest.
O saints and angels, dwell here-in;
Pray that we stay away from sin;
And keep our soul’s gaze towards God,
Living our lives, like Jesus Lord.
O Jesus Lord, bless us, we pray;
Protect this home both night and day;
Help us to carry our life’s cross,
And serve God nobly without pause!
Lord Jesus, be our guiding Light;
Help us to speak the Truth always;
Goad us to do all things aright;
Proclaiming God to human race!
Dedicated lovingly to my dear sister Dr. A.Sugagemma, M.D.,
Dr. Gangadharan M.S., and son, Gautham Anto
Copyright by Dr John Celes 11-17-2009
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Jesus Christ, the King of Kings
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings!
His wise Word, in ears most rings;
And His praise, each church choir sings;
His one birth for earth, joy brings!
Jesus Christ, true God, true man,
Was but born with short life-span;
His great feat, repeat none can;
Seeing Him, all devils ran!
He started Christianity!
He came from eternity,
For sinners, and show pity;
He lives in heaven’s city.
His realm is not of this earth;
Prophets did forecast his birth;
Repentance can bring men mirth;
Pray to Him and get the worth!
Jesus Christ is creator;
He is Lord and protector;
His angels, men monitor;
For God’s grace, say, ’Confiteor’!
Jesus comes a second time;
He is God in every clime!
His wisdom stands for all time;
His great works are sung in rhyme!
Crucified, in pain, He lay;
He died but rose on third day!
He loved souls, scriptures say;
He’s the Truth, the Light and Way!
Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-11-11
poem by John Celes
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Sonnet: Pearls of Wisdom from Jesus
‘I’ve overcome the world, ’ said Jesus Christ,
‘God does not forsake, nor abandons you.’
‘Ye men of little faith, believe at first! ’
In Jesus’ name, miracles, you can do.
Christ left as hope for us, Holy Spirit;
‘Do not worry; just live right for today.’
He dwells in hearts and souls that’s grace-light lit;
Jesus Christ is the truth, and light and way!
‘Man does not live by bread alone, ’ said Christ,
‘But by each word that God utters by mouth.’
By death on cross, Jesus third day was raised
to life, and made our living on earth, worth!
‘What God hath joined, let none put asunder!
To divorce would be sin and big blunder!
(06-09-11)
poem by John Celes
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’Tis Easter-time Again!
Easter is coming, once again;
It is a boon and not a bane;
The year is two thousand and seven;
’Tis time to prepare your soul for heaven.
Follow the road taken by Christ’s cross;
Offer your sorrows to Jesus, the boss;
This is the time to sacrifice;
Make up your mind to give up all vice!
Forgive and forget your neighbors’ faults;
Bear not witness against him false;
Waste not time and never tell lies;
A Christian ought to be soul-wise.
Jesus died to rise again;
His sufferings were not in vain;
He left His Holy Spirit here,
For us to live, without any fear.
Prepare your soul by good confession;
Do your penance with passion;
Where are the Shepherds? Where are the flocks?
Where are the men of God in white frocks?
Open your heart to Jesus Christ-
The Son of the One, Living God praised;
If your flocks have gone astray,
Go search and bring them in Christ’s way!
poem by John Celes
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