Priestly Spirituality

This course explores the identity, spirituality, and mission of the priest, priestly models, and thecontext for evangelization. Part I examines: two Church documents ((Pastores dabo vobis;Directory on the Ministry and Life of the Priest); a contemporary work (About Being a Priest); thepriest's three loves (Church, Mary, Eucharist); and living priestly holiness and ministry. Part IIprofiles three key modern priestly models (F. de Sales, J. Vianney, and F. Sheen). Part III appraisesthe blueprint for the Third Millennium through the Spirit's gift of John Paul II and Benedict XVI;what the Spirit is highlighting through three ecclesial charisms (Communion and Liberation, OpusDei, Focolare); and the crises in the priesthood (e.g., exodus, pedophilia, lack of holiness) andpaths to renewal of the priesthood (e.g., Holy Spirit, a replica of Christ, priest's victimhood, MarianPrinciple).