Priestly Identity
A Study in the Theology of Priesthood
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2010
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Publisher's Description
It is generally accepted that since the end of Vatican II there has been a crisis in the Catholic priesthood. This is reflected in two areas in particular--defections from the priesthood and a serious decline in vocations, primarily in the developed countries of the West. John Paul II has addressed this situation many times during his pontificate, especially in Pastores dabo vobis where he offers a clear theological vision and a program of formation to overcome the current crisis of priestly identity. In his new book McGovern offers a deep analysis of the Pope's theology of priesthood, drawing not only from Pastores dabo vobis, but also from his Holy Thursday Letters and other important writings on this topic. In this study the author deals with core aspects of priestly identity under three main headings--theological, spiritual, and pastoral--in the context of service to the lay faithful and the evangelization required of the Church in the new millennium.
Endorsements (4)
“I found this a delightful book to read. Well researched and informative, it is a stimulating treatment of its chosen subject. And while it engages courageously the half-truths of widespread assumptions, it does so with a candor and delicacy that combine to create an atmosphere of serenity and an injection of hope for priests.”
“The book is highly recommended for bishops, priests, seminarians, and especially for priests who are spiritual directors of seminaries.”
“The main value of the work lies in its attempt to explain and favor priestly celibacy from an ample perspective, drawing on its canonical, historical, Scriptural, theological, and anthropological implications . . . The result is a surprisingly complete, balanced and much needed study of the topic of priestly celibacy.”
“Priestly Celibacy Today, by opening up a refreshing and convincing defense of celibacy, gives a scriptural, theological, and spiritual understanding of this gift of the Spirit to the Church. It also offers the priest, in the light of the Paschal Mystery, a very practical and encouraging program for living a committed celibate life.”
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