UNDERSTANDING THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD: A Reflection On The Life And Mission Of The Priest

This book is a reflection on the mystery and life of the contemporary Roman Catholic Priesthood. It is viewed from a sacred theological perspective. The author, Rev. Fr. Benedict Oshiokhamele Azebeokhai, divided the contents into about sixteen sub topics or parts thus; reflecting on the theological background of the Catholic Priesthood, the priesthood as a vocation and its social perspective, he discusses the various kinds of priesthood, the priest as a servant to God and humanity, and the current paradigm of the ministerial priesthood. From part six to Eleven, the book presents the position or status of the priest in the contemporary society, the celebration of the sacred liturgy, the prayer life and spirituality of the man behind the priestly mask, his formation and training necessary to function, and also x-rayed parts of Pope Francis’ Nostra Aetate on the role of the lay faithful in collaboration with the priest.Finally, parts twelve to fifteen discourses how the priest is to take a good care of his health, the people’s role in looking after the welfare of their priests, especially looking at the after work when old age sets in as one who has no family of his to take care of him. The living together of priests as one indivisible entity of priests and in community is seen as an important way of moving forward in the priestly life. The author concluded his reflection with a wonderful prayer for the priests who suffers for our salvation and recommended same to the entire faithful as a daily practice. It is believed that this book will keep those who are called by God’s name, they will find this book a guide to understanding the works and person of their priests. And would be a research material for theology students, priests, Seminarians and all Christian faithful. Read more