Priest

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Priest (from Greek presbyteros, meaning "elder") in the Catholic Church refers to a man ordained to the second degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders, sharing in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ. Priests act in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), particularly in celebrating the Eucharist and administering most sacraments. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the ministerial priesthood differs in essence but is ordered toward the common priesthood of all the faithful received in Baptism (CCC 1547).[1]

The priesthood is rooted in Christ's institution of a new covenant priesthood, distinct from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the eternal High Priest (Heb 4:14-15; 7:23-28), and ordained priests participate in His priesthood through sacramental configuration.[2] The Church distinguishes two participations in Christ's one priesthood: the common priesthood of all baptized believers and the ministerial priesthood of ordained bishops and priests (CCC 1546-1547).[1]

In the Latin Church, priests are ordinarily required to observe celibacy, while in the Eastern Catholic Churches, both celibate and married men may be ordained as priests, though bishops are chosen from among celibates.[3]

History

The priesthood in the Catholic Church has its origins in the ministry of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. In the Old Testament, God established a ministerial priesthood through Aaron and his descendants (Ex 28:1; Num 18:1-7), alongside the universal call of Israel as "a kingdom of priests" (Ex 19:6).[4] This Levitical priesthood prefigured the priesthood of Christ, who is described in the Letter to the Hebrews as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb 5:10; 7:11-17), offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice.

In the New Testament, Christ instituted the ministerial priesthood at the Last Supper, commanding the Apostles: "Do this in memory of me" (Lk 22:19; 1 Cor 11:24-25), empowering them to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice.[5] The Apostles, in turn, appointed presbyters (priests) and overseers (bishops) through the laying on of hands (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6).[6]

By the early second century, the threefold structure of bishops, priests (presbyters), and deacons was evident, as attested by St. Ignatius of Antioch.[6] The Council of Trent (1545-1563) reaffirmed the sacramental character of Holy Orders and the distinct ministerial priesthood against Reformation challenges (Session XXIII).[7]

The Second Vatican Council in Presbyterorum Ordinis (1965) described priests as co-workers with bishops in the threefold ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing, emphasizing their configuration to Christ the Head.[8]

Definition and Theology

According to Catholic doctrine, the sacrament of Holy Orders configures the recipient ontologically to Christ, enabling him to act in persona Christi Capitis (in the person of Christ the Head).[9] Priests share in the apostolic mission, exercising it under the authority of their bishop.

The ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood: it exists to foster the baptismal grace of all Christians (CCC 1547).[1] Priests primarily minister through:

  • Proclaiming the Gospel and teaching the faith.
  • Celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments (except Holy Orders and Confirmation, ordinarily reserved to bishops).
  • Guiding the faithful as shepherds.

The indelible character imparted by ordination means a priest remains a priest forever, even if laicized (CCC 1583).[10]

Significance in Catholic Tradition

The priest is essential to the Church's sacramental life, as most sacraments require a validly ordained priest for licit administration. Through priests, Christ continues His saving work, making present the sacrifice of the Cross in the Mass.[5]

Priests live out the call to holiness in celibacy (in the Latin rite), obedience to their bishop, and simplicity of life, witnessing to the Kingdom of God.[11] They foster unity in parishes and dioceses, collaborating with the laity in the Church's mission.

The priesthood reflects the Trinitarian communion and the mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ.[12]

Current Practices

Priestly formation occurs in seminaries, involving human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions, as outlined in Pastores Dabo Vobis (1992) and the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (2016).[13]

Ordination requires a call from the bishop, freedom, suitable qualities, and completion of studies (Code of Canon Law, cann. 1029-1032).[14] Diocesan priests serve in parishes or diocesan roles; religious order priests combine priesthood with vows in their community.

Ongoing formation is encouraged throughout a priest's life (Code of Canon Law, can. 279).[15]

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1994. 
  2. ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
  3. ↑ "Code of Canon Law, cann. 277, 373". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann368-572_en.html. 
  4. ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Presbyterorum Ordinis". Second Vatican Council. 1965. https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651207_presbyterorum-ordinis_en.html. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Catholic Encyclopedia: Priest". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12406a.htm. 
  7. ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Priesthood". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12409a.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Presbyterorum Ordinis". Second Vatican Council. 1965. https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651207_presbyterorum-ordinis_en.html. 
  9. ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
  10. ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
  11. ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
  12. ↑ "Presbyterorum Ordinis". https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19651207_presbyterorum-ordinis_en.html. 
  13. ↑ "The Gift of the Priestly Vocation". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20161208_ratio-fundamentalis-institutionis-sacerdotalis_en.html. 
  14. ↑ "Code of Canon Law, cann. 1024-1054". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann1024-1054_en.html. 
  15. ↑ "Code of Canon Law, can. 279". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann273-289_en.html. 
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