Go to Part I “Spiritual formation is directed at nourishing and sustaining communion with God . . . This intimate relationship forms the heart of the seminarian in that sacrificial love that marks the beginning of pastoral charity.”[1. Na … [Read more...]
The Benedictus: Hope for Priests
July 27, 2023 by Fr. Kenneth G. Davis, OFM Conv.
Introduction: Intimidating Indicators When asked to preach to priests, I recall the advice of a bishop: “Preach hope. The guys need to hear a hopeful message.” Presbyterates needing hope is a theme I’ve heard for many years, perhaps becau … [Read more...]
A Letter to Senior Priests
July 27, 2023 by Louise Merrie
Dear Fathers, Thank you for answering God’s call to be a priest and for your many years of active ministry in parishes, shrines, hospitals, schools, colleges, the military, retreat centers, and the missions. Thank you for all of the t … [Read more...]
Pope Francis and the Symposium on the Priesthood
March 29, 2023 by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio
Many times, Pope Francis has been very critical in speaking about priests and even seminarians, and for sure bishops. He is calling the Church to a renewal, and he does not seem to have this concern without some experience. He began his … [Read more...]
Priestly Obedience in a Post-McCarrick Church, Part II
November 25, 2022 by Rev. Philip Smith
Go to Part I Now that we have traced the nature and the theological implications of obedience and ecclesial authority, let us now look at authority and obedience as complementary responsibilities. Church documents emphasize that … [Read more...]
Priestly Obedience in a Post-McCarrick Church, Part I
October 27, 2022 by Rev. Philip Smith
Introduction to Part I “I will do whatever my bishop asks me to do.” During my time in seminary, most seminarians did not anticipate huge struggles living the promise of obedience. Seasoned priests told us: “Everyone thinks celibacy is t … [Read more...]
In Memoriam: Fr. Fred Miller
October 27, 2022 by Rev. Brian X. Needles
Rev. Frederick L. Miller, a beloved priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 28, 2022. He was the Spiritual Director of St. Andrew’s Hall College Seminary and Adjunct Professor of Systematic T … [Read more...]
Stir into Flame: A Response to the Survey Among Recently Ordained Priests
June 24, 2022 by Fr. Andrew LaFramboise
Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy is particularly encouraging to young priests. Being a young priest, I can relate to Timothy and his vocation to shepherd the people of God in the midst of challenging circumstances. Paul writes to e … [Read more...]
Questions Answered – March 2022
February 26, 2022 by Fr. Brian Mullady, OP
Qualifications for the Priesthood Question: What are the qualities a person needs to be a Catholic priest? Answer: The best way to answer this question is to follow the address given by Pope Benedict XVI a number of years ago to the … [Read more...]
Book Reviews – December 2021
November 24, 2021 by Book Reviews
Christmas Around the Fire. By Ryan N.S. Topping. Reviewed by Mark McCann. (skip to review) Meet the Gentle Jesus: First Communion Preparation Program. By Liguori Publications. Reviewed by Mark McCann. (skip to review) The Healing … [Read more...]
The Implications of the Priesthood of John the Baptist
August 16, 2021 by Joel R. Gallagher
One of the most famous depictions of the crucifixion of Jesus is that of German painter Matthias Grünewald. Grünewald’s most recognized work appears on the center-front panel (when wings are closed) of his polyptych masterpiece, the Ise … [Read more...]
Pentecostal Suffering and Our Growth in Holiness
June 3, 2021 by Fr. Kenneth G. Davis, OFM Conv.
The seasons of Lent and Easter help us understand the priesthood if we begin at the end. Easter season ends with Pentecost, so that’s where we’ll begin. Recall the story of Pentecost: Everyone from various countries all understood the same l … [Read more...]
St. Joseph “Patris Corde” As a Pastoral Icon
February 25, 2021 by Dr. Tiju Thomas
On the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as the patron of the universal church, Pope Francis released the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde,” which means “with a father’s heart.” (1, 2) This is in the spirit of Pope Pius IX’s d … [Read more...]
The Gift of the Mind: Scholars and Saints
December 11, 2020 by Fr. Peter Stravinskas
If one thing characterized priesthood fifty years ago (especially in Europe, even if less so here), it was the priest as a man of learning, that is, possessing a broad grasp of knowledge, a true Renaissance man — an in-depth knowledge of a f … [Read more...]
Confessions of a Millennial Priest
October 30, 2020 by Fr. Sean O'Brien
I shared with a friend that I was weighing the idea of writing an article with this title and he laughed. I am aware of the irony. I don’t wear tight pants. I don’t have debt. I can’t get the tasting notes of craft beers or coffees (my taste … [Read more...]
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