In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, popes gave us two infallible dogmatic declarations regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1854 Pope Pius IX defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in a document known by its Latin title Ineffabilis Deus (God Ineffable). In 1950, Pope Pius XII gave his dogmatic declaration on the Assumption of Mary in Munificentissimus Deus (God Most Bountiful). These papal teachings confirmed long-held beliefs of Catholic faith and enriched our appreciation of the grace given to Mary at her conception and at the end of her earthly life.

If these were our only papal teachings on Mary, we would be left with a gap in our understanding and devotion. What is the significance of her life between her conception and her assumption? Pope John Paul II filled that gap with his encyclical Redemptoris Mater (Mother of the Redeemer). John Paul II devoted the bulk of this letter to the life of Mary and her pilgrimage of faith.

The Shroud  of Turin is a herringbone-weave piece of linen that measures 14.5 feet by 3.5 feet. On it is a ventral and dorsal image of a man who has apparently been scourged and crucified. The Shroud’s early history is sketchy. Its first verifiable appearance was in 1353 when it was brought to France.

Over the next 100 years it passed through several hands until it became the property of the House of Savoy. In 1532 a fire melted the reliquary and damaged the Shroud, and the Poor Clare nuns were asked to repair the damage. In 1578 the Shroud was transferred to Turin and placed in a specially designed chapel that connected the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist with the royal palace. Finally, in the late 1980s, ownership of the Shroud passed to the Catholic Church.

Inspired by the 100th anniversary of Saint John Vianney, the Curé of Ars and the patron saint of parish priests, Pope Benedict announced a Jubilee Year of the Priest, which opened June 19 of this year and will close June 19, 2010.

This year gives us an opportunity to step back from the particular faults of some priests and bishops and focus on the gift of priesthood as given to us by the High Priest, Jesus Christ. It also gives each of us time to reflect on what the ordained priesthood means for us and for the Church.

At the same time, it should be a challenge for all priests to reflect on their lives and ministries, a calling back to faithfulness, an invitation to draw near to our Lord. It also gives the faithful an opportunity to thank and encourage the priests in their lives.