None of the Fathers of the early church is better known or loved than St John Chrysostom, and none of his works is more popular than On the Priesthood. Its stylistic brilliance demonstrates the appropriateness of St John's enduring title, "the golden-mouthed." Yet the rhetorical eloquence of the work is not simply camouflage for lack of substance. As Graham Neville observes in his Introduction, Chrysostom "had a mind both practical and idealistic, that brought into close connection the evils and injustices of the world and the perfection of moral life demanded by the gospel." Chrysostom's unique gift for linking concrete observation and theological vision is nowhere more evident than in On the Priesthood. Its presence helps to account for the work's power to inspire and challenge Christians in all ages. Book jacket.
"On the Priesthood: A Treatise in Six Books" by Saint John Chrysostom, translated by Rev. Patrick Boyle, C.M., is a seminal work that delves into the profound spiritual and theological dimensions of the priestly vocation. Written by one of the early Church Fathers, this treatise offers an in-depth exploration of the responsibilities, challenges, and spiritual requirements of the priesthood. The treatise is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of the priestly office. Saint John Chrysostom, renowned for his eloquence and deep theological insights, begins by discussing the divine nature and immense responsibility of the priesthood. He emphasizes the sacred role of the priest as a mediator between God and humanity, tasked with administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and guiding the faithful. Chrysostom then examines the personal qualities necessary for those who aspire to the priesthood. He underscores the importance of moral integrity, deep spiritual life, and unwavering commitment to the pastoral mission. The treatise highlights the virtues of humility, patience, and self-sacrifice as essential traits for a priest, drawing on scriptural examples and personal reflections. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to the challenges and temptations that priests face. Chrysostom offers practical advice on how to overcome these difficulties through prayer, study, and reliance on God's grace. He also discusses the dangers of pride, ambition, and worldly distractions, urging priests to maintain their focus on their spiritual duties and the well-being of their congregations. The treatise also addresses the theological foundation of the priesthood, exploring its biblical roots and ecclesiastical traditions. Chrysostom articulates a vision of the priesthood that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Christ, emphasizing the continuity between the apostolic ministry and the contemporary priestly office. Throughout the six books, Chrysostom's profound respect and reverence for the priesthood are evident. He views the priestly vocation as a divine calling that demands a life of holiness and dedication. His writings serve as both an inspiration and a guide for those in the priestly ministry, as well as for those considering this sacred vocation. Rev. Patrick Boyle's translation brings this classic work to a modern audience, preserving the eloquence and depth of Chrysostom's original text. Boyle's translation ensures that contemporary readers can access and appreciate the timeless wisdom and spiritual insights offered by one of the Church's greatest preachers. In summary, "On the Priesthood: A Treatise in Six Books" by Saint John Chrysostom, translated by Rev. Patrick Boyle, C.M., is a comprehensive and deeply spiritual examination of the priestly vocation. It provides valuable guidance and inspiration for priests and seminarians, as well as offering profound theological insights for all Christians interested in understanding the nature and significance of the priesthood.
“Monsignor Franco is known as an engaging storyteller of his impactful time in the Church. Read this book and you will see why.” — Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archdiocese of New York Six Popes: A Son of the Church Remembers is Monsignor Hilary C. Franco’s engaging memoir and a story only a son can tell, a son not only of the Catholic Church, but also of Italian immigrants. From Belmont, his Bronx neighborhood, Franco rose to work with the highest and most influential figures of the Roman Catholic Church. As a young man he attended Rome’s premier seminary, soon after becoming the special assistant to Archbishop Fulton Sheen. As a priest he would travel the world, and he recounts a harrowing experience in the Deep South in the early 1960s, his work at the Vatican Councils that redefined the Church, and his time posted at the Church’s diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C., and the United Nations. This most formidable churchman reveals his tales of intellectual, pastoral, and diplomatic service to the Catholic Church, enlivened by recollections of the fascinating people he came to know from U.S. presidents and foreign heads of state, to religious leaders like Padre Pio and Saint Mother Teresa. The title of his current role, Advisor at the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, gives little hint of the drama of the times he recollects. Stories of this book’s six pontiffs that Franco served under — John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis — offer landmarks along Franco’s trek through the corridors of spiritual power in New York, Washington, D.C., and Rome. Six Popes: A Son of the Church Remembers is written from a unique eyewitness vantage on many of the events and movements that shaped our world and the Catholic Church. There is really no other book like it.
This insightful book on the priesthood is based on a series of six talks that Cardinal Schönborn addressed to an international group of priests in Ars, the village where the famed St. John Vianney served as pastor. Vianney, known as the Curé of Ars, is the patron of the Year For Priests announced by Pope Benedict XVI. In these talks, the Cardinal summarized the vocation, challenge, and joy of the priesthood, drawing on the life of the Curé of Ars, the writings of St. Thérèse of Liseux, St. Faustina Kowalska, and many other saints and holy people.Gathered together in this short but profound volume, these insights by the highly respected theologian and spiritual writer Cardinal Schönborn will inspire the priest as well as the layman, giving sage counsel to all who are striving for perfection in their vocation. The Cardinal speaks on the vocation to the priesthood; the importance of mercy, prayer, and spiritual combat; the Eucharist; preaching and the mission of the priest; and the importance of Our Lady to priests.
Far-reaching changes continue to take place in the American priesthood. Building on insights gained from four previous surveys, Same Call, Different Men uses fresh data from a 2009 survey-jointly implemented by the National Federation of Priest's Councils and the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate-in which 900 priests shared attitudes and stories about their lives and ministry. Among topics covered are the challenges of ministry with fewer ordinations and larger parishes, ministering to an increasingly multicultural laity, collaboration with lay leaders, and personal reflections on the sexual abuse issue. It also relates the many satisfactions of being a priest, one who brings Christ to others and who is invited into many profound moments of individual lives.
The name of this series is God's Administration in the History of Redemption (Eph 1:9). God's administration in the history of redemption is His management of the entire history, including the promising of the Messiah, giving prophecies of every detail of His coming, His birth and ministry on earth, and the atoning work on the cross. God interceded in mankind's history through His providence in every period to make sure His will of salvation of fallen mankind through Jesus Christ is fulfilled. This series follows that history and traces back to see what God has done to bring us to salvation.The history in which God intervenes and eventually comes down to save His people is the history of redemption. Because He worked through people in their history, His works can be traced back through genealogies, which contain names, events, and years. Together, they form a history and become important evidence for the reality of God's work. The Bible actually provides all the evidence that its stories are not mere myths or legendary stories. The History of Redemption Series puts together the clues and evidence in the sequence of the redemptive historical flow, so the readers can see the drama and flow of God's work of salvation, which leads all the way to this current day. The genealogies of the godly seed continue in the book of Genesis through the fathers of faith who were able to overcome and set themselves apart from sins and greed in this world. The genealogies in Genesis lead to introduce Abraham, an essential figure in God's administration to bring salvation for the entire world. The work of redemption takes on a new phase through God's calling of Abraham and is fulfilled through the Messiah who comes as the son of Abraham. This magnificent story of godly lineage is what Moses refers to as the "days of old." They are the days that contain God's redeeming work which continues to fulfill His covenant in our lives today.
There are many rules a priest can't break. A priest cannot marry. A priest cannot abandon his flock. A priest cannot forsake his God. I've always been good at following rules. Until she came. Then I learned new rules. My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I'm twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again. I am a priest and this is my confession.
We must continue to demand justice and compassion for victims of Catholic clergy abuse. This is not optional. Time and time again in recent years, Catholics and non-Catholics alike have been horrified by hideous stories of wretched abuse and betrayal. However, there is a side of the Catholic Church abuse narrative that is not getting the attention it warrants. Countless priests in the United States have been falsely accused of committing horrendous child abuse. Topics in this book include: ... how the most recent figures indicate that one third of accused priests have been accused falsely; ... the stunning court declaration with the opinion from a retired FBI investigator that "one half" of all accusations are "entirely false" or "greatly exaggerated"; ... the American cardinal who has been the target of two bogus abuse charges; ... how accusers have retained huge monetary settlements even though their allegations later proved to be false; ... the father of an accuser who appeared at the funeral of an accused priest and apologized for the false allegation that his son leveled; ... the Catholic archbishop who tells of being spat upon by a member of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests); ... the monsignor who waited five years to be exonerated of abuse charges even though his alleged victims denied that they were molested; plus much more.
This great orator addresses the question of wealth and poverty in the lives of people of his day. Yet Chrysostom's words proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all people of all times.
