Krakow: For over a quarter of a century, a quiet spiritual movement in Poland has been empowering the faithful to stand behind their priests—not with criticism, but with prayer. The Bethany Mission to Support Priests, founded on 4 February 1999 by Sister Gabriela Bassista, began with a simple yet powerful idea: listen to the struggles of clergy and respond with steadfast intercession.

It started humbly—with just eight people committing to lifelong prayer for specific priests. That first act of Eucharistic Adoration launched a movement that today includes more than 8,800 members. This mission is shepherded by the Sisters of the Bethany Family, whose founder, Servant of God Fr. Józef Małysiak, SDS, instilled a deep devotion to priestly support in their charism.

Sister Daria Tyborska, one of the mission’s key voices, emphasizes the central idea: the laity are not merely observers of priestly life, nor should they be quick to judge; they are called to be prayerful partners in their vocation. “Too often we focus on the faults of priests instead of lifting them up in prayer,” she said. “This mission exists to shift that mindset.”

At the heart of the Bethany Mission is a reawakening of lay responsibility. According to Sr. Tyborska, the old assumption that clergy alone bear the weight of the Church is slowly dissolving. “Through prayer, the faithful are rediscovering their role in sustaining the Church—not from the sidelines, but as active participants in spiritual stewardship,” she noted.

The mission unites a wide spectrum of individuals: lay Catholics, clergy, families of priests, and others who care deeply about the Church’s shepherds. Each member becomes a spiritual "shadow" to a priest, offering prayers to the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary in quiet solidarity. Members receive a prayer book, a card, and a photo of their assigned priest—tangible symbols of their spiritual bond.

Sr. Tyborska acknowledges that in today’s world, where media often highlights clerical failings, many believers are tempted to turn away from the priesthood altogether. But she warns against such disillusionment. “We’ve grown too comfortable criticizing priests while forgetting that they, too, need grace,” she said, quoting St. John Mary Vianney: “We have the priests we get with prayer.”

To doubt the priesthood, she added, is to begin doubting Christ’s presence in the sacraments. “Despite human weakness, the priesthood remains sacred and necessary. God’s mercy makes it ever relevant.”

Beyond personal prayer, the Bethany Mission extends its work through various initiatives. An online “Prayer Intentions for Priests” book allows requests to be submitted and offered during Adoration. The Missal Intentions Office organizes Masses for both living and deceased priests.

“Priesthood Sundays” in parishes feature prayer gatherings and testimonies about the beauty of priestly life. On the first Thursday of each month, prayer groups conduct special Adoration sessions. And in moments of urgent need, priests can request prayers through an “emergency SMS” service.