"Priests have a special alliance with Mary"

Priests have a special covenant with the most holy Mother of God. As the eternal Father made her a partaker of his divine paternity, so he gives priests to form this same Jesus in the Eucharist and in the hearts of the faithful.

As the Son made her his cooperatrix in the work of redeeming the world, so priests are his cooperators in the work of saving souls. As the Holy Spirit associated her in the masterpiece that is the mystery of the Incarnation, so he associates priests with him for a continuation of this mystery in every Christian through baptism.

This is why priests, having such a close alliance and wonderful conformity with the Mother of the High Priest, have very special obligations to love her, to honor her and to clothe themselves with her virtues and dispositions. You should strive to do this with all your hearts. Offer yourself to her, and ask her to strongly help you to do so.

Saint John Eudes, Complete Works III