BEING A PRIEST AND PROUD TO BE

Agharese Arase

Abstract


Among the things that a priest can enjoy as a human person and a citizen of this world and a citizen of a state where he lives is the right to be a priest. Not only that he possesses this right from the divine mandate given to him at his priestly ordination, he also has the civil liberty to join any legitimate association of his choice. The United Nations charter on the fundamental human rights protects the priest, as does every citizen of the world or a state, to live unhindered by any person or group. All that the priest needs is live within the boundaries of just laws and he will be just fine and happy. For that reason, the article examines the life of a priest in light of his expectations and responsibilities that protect and promote his identity. “Man, know thyself, and you are going to know the gods,†is an ancient Greek aphorism that is so relevant to being a Catholic priest. A priest who understood his calling is more likely to be a priest with pride and for Christ. This article portrays some aspects of the priestly life as well as positive actions that support the right to enjoy being a priest. The article shows how a priest’s identity is inseparably connected with his identity with Christ. The priest’s identity with Christ is enhanced through fidelity to the evangelical counsels (obedience, chastity, and poverty) and ongoing self-improvement in human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formations.

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References


Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (2004), No. 153

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, 1948 3. Benedict XVI, in his address on 12 March 2010 to the participants at the Conference organized by the Congregation for the Clergy 4. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 18-31; Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, 2; C.I.C., can. 1008. 5. Benedict XVI, Ibid. 6. John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis, 13-14; General Audience (31 March 1993). 7. Ibid. No.15 8. Benedict XVI, Address to the Participants at the Theological Conference Organized by the Congregation for the Clergy (12 March 2010). 9. John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis, No. 28 10. John Paul II, Ibid. 11. Benedict XVI, Message for Lent 2012 (3 November 2011) 12. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Decree on the Ministry and life of priests,Presbyterorum Ordinis, 9 13. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, 31 14. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, 9 15. Congregation for the clergy:Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests (New Ed.), 50 16. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, 15 17. Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests, Op.Cit. 57 18. Rossetti, S.J., (2009). Ten Steps to Priestly Holiness: Our Jorney into Joy, IN: Notre Dame, Ave Maria Press 19. Benedict XVI, Prayer Vigil on the Occasion of the Conclusion of the Year for Priests, (10 June 2010): l.c., 397-406. 20. St. John Chrysostom, De Sacerdotio, VI, 2: PG 48, 679 21. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, 17 22. Ibid. 23. United States Catholic Conference of Bishops: The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests, Part 1C. 24. Benedict XVI, Letter to Seminarians (18 October 2010), 6 25. Congregation for the clergy: Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests (New Ed.), 94 26. Ecumenical Council Vatican II, Decree on priestly training, Optatam Totius, 14 27. Decree Presbyterorum Ordinis, 19 28. Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests, Op. Cit. 95 29. United States Catholic Conference of Bishops: The Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests, Part 2D.


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