Why Celibacy?
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Ignatius Press
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
"The Church today demands a profound renewal of celibate priesthood and the fatherhood to which it is ordered." Priestly celibacy, some say, is an outdated relic from another age. Others see it as a lonely way of life. But as Fr. Carter Griffin argues in Why Celibacy?: Reclaiming the Fatherhood of the Priest, the ancient practice of celibacy, when lived well, helps a priest exercise his spiritual fatherhood joyfully and fruitfully. Along the way, Griffin explores: the question of optional celibacy some pitfalls of celibate paternity the selection and formation of candidates for celibate priesthood why biological fathers are also called to spiritual fatherhood the powerful impact of celibacy on the Church and the wider culture In a critical moment for the Catholic priesthood, Fr. Griffin brings light and hope with a new perspective on the Church's perennial wisdom on celibacy.
Endorsements (9)
“Celibacy is an often under-appreciated element in the fruitfulness of priestly ministry. I recommend this book to all who wish to understand and even reclaim celibacy as a precious gift entrusted to the Church….”
“This book is so needed in the Church at this time. Seminarians who read this will be excited about the gift of celibacy, and priests will be renewed in their commitment!”
“Griffin's careful study is an antidote to the impoverished understanding of the priesthood that is prevalent today. [Essential] reading for priests and those who form them.”
“A thoughtful, trenchant, inspiring, and very timely defense of the ancient tradition of celibacy in the Latin-rite Catholic priesthood, written by one of America's finest priests.”
“This book has the timing of a divine intervention. Just when fatherhood, natural and priestly, appears to be in tatters, this book arrives with healing and bracing truth!”
“Fr. Carter Griffin has done a great service for the Church by restoring to the discussion of priestly celibacy the often-forgotten dimension of spiritual fatherhood.”
“Why Celibacy? makes the case that priests do not renounce fatherhood but embrace celibacy as a privileged way of living it: generating life and fulfilling the fatherly responsibilities of providing for, guiding and teaching, and protecting those entrusted to their care.”
“The reform of the Church will not happen without the reform of the priesthood Fr. Griffin engagingly describes in the precious book you now hold in your hands.”
“Fr. Griffin clearly shows that we need celibacy now more than ever—and a celibate priesthood of true, spiritual fathers.”
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