Priestly Fatherhood

"There is an enormous need in the world which is ours for people to have authentic examples of divine paternity... ...I believe that this is part of the vocation of the priest... ...For the priest himself, it is a great grace to be able to deploy a true fatherhood in his ministry; it gives to his priesthood a stimulating depth and beauty. ...My great hope is to encourage my brother priests to believe in the depth and beauty of their vocation. If their vocation is a reality that is difficult and demanding, fatherhood is also a source of great joys. Nothing is more beautiful than to communicate life, especially when this life is the eternal life, the very life of God. ...My book addresses all priests, but I think that all people who live out a certain form of fatherhood (fathers of families, spiritual fathers, educators, those in authority) can find helpful insights on how to live out their responsibilities. The greatest joy in the life of a priest is, without a doubt, the moments when he experiences true fatherhood (p5) Being a priest and representing the Father is not a title of glory, but an enormous responsibility"--… (more)