SaintThomasMorePrioryS S P X 2019 Catechism Competition

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AdCatholiciSacerdotii(PiusXI,1935)

OntheCatholicPriesthood

ToourVenerableBrethrenthePatriarchs,Primates,Archbishops,Bishops,andotherOrdinariesinPeaceandCommunionwiththeApostolicSee.1.BytheinscrutabledesignofDivineProvidenceWewereraisedtothissummitoftheCatholicpriesthood.FromthatmomentOurthoughtswereturnedtoalltheinnumerablechildrenwhomGodentrustedtoUs.Yet,inaspecialway,Wehavefeltanaffectionateandearnestsolicitudetowardsthosewhohavethecommissiontobe“thesaltoftheearthandthelightoftheworld,”forthosewhohavebeensignaledoutandadornedbythepriestlycharacter.InastillmorespecialwayOurthoughtshaveturnedtowardsthosedearlybelovedyoungstudentswhoarebeingeducatedintheshadowofthesanctuaryandarepreparingthemselvesforthismostnoblecharge,thepriesthood.2.EveninthefirstmonthsofOurPontificate,beforeWehadaddressedOursolemnwordtothewholeCatholicworld,Wehastenedtolaystressupontheprinciplesandidealswhichoughttoguideandinspiretheeducationoffuturepriests.ThiswedidbyOurApostolicLetterOfficiorumomniumwrittenonthefirstofAugust,1922,toOurbelovedson,theCardinalPrefectofthesacredCongregationforSeminariesandUniversities.AndwheneverOurpastoralwatchfulnesspromptsUstoconsidermoreinparticularthegoodestateandtheneedsoftheChurch,Ourattentionisdirectedalways,andbeforeallthingselse,topriestsandclergy.3.NoristherelackingwitnesstothisOurspecialinterestinthepriesthood.ForWehaveerectedmanynewseminaries;andothersWehave,atgreatexpense,providedwithnewandbefittingbuildings,orendowedmoreliberallywithrevenuesorstaff,thattheymaythemoreworthilyattaintheirhighaim.4.UpontheoccasionofOurSacerdotalJubilee,Weallowedthatevent,soblessedinitsmemories,tobecelebratedwithsomesolemnity,andWeevenencouragedwithfatherlygratificationthemarksoffilialaffectionwhichcametoUsfromeverypartoftheglobe.OurreasonwasthatWeregardedthiscelebrationnotsomuchasahomagetoOurPerson,asadutifultributeofhonortothedignityofthepriestlycharacter.5.Similarly,Wedecreedareformofstudiesinecclesiasticalfaculties,bytheApostolicConstitutionDeusscientiarumDominus,ofthetwenty-fourthofMay,1931.Ourspecialpurposeinthisdecreewastomakeevenbroaderandhigherthecultureandlearningofpriests.6.Thismatter,indeed,isofsogreatanduniversalimportancethatWethinkfittingtodevotetoitaspecialEncyclical;sinceitisOurdesirethatthefaithful,whoalreadypossess

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thepricelessgiftofFaith,mayappreciatethesublimityoftheCatholicPriesthoodanditsprovidentialmissionintheworld;thatthose,too,whodonotyetpossesstheFaith,butwithuprightnessandsincerityareinsearchofTruth,maysharethisappreciationwiththefaithful;aboveall,thatthosewhoarethemselvescalledmayhavestilldeeperunderstandingandesteemoftheirvocation.Thissubjectisparticularlyopportuneatthepresentmoment,foritistheendoftheyearwhichhasseenextended,beyondtheEternalCitytothewholeCatholicworld,theJubileeoftheRedemption.ThisExtraordinaryJubilee,atLourdes,came,likeasunset,toasplendidclose.There,underthemantleoftheImmaculate,foraferventanduninterruptedEucharisticTriduum,gatheredtogetherCatholicclergyofeverytongueandrite.Ourbelovedandveneratedpriests,nevermoreenergeticinwell-doingthanduringthisspecialHolyYear,aretheministersoftheRedemptionofwhichthisyearwastheJubilee.Moreover,thisyear,asWesaidintheApostolicConstitutionQuodnuper,commemorated,likewise,thenineteenthcentenaryoftheinstitutionofthepriesthood.7.OurpreviousEncyclicalsweredirectedtothrowingthelightofCatholicdoctrineuponthegravestoftheproblemspeculiartomodernlife.OurpresentEncyclicalfindsanaturalplaceamongtheseothers,opportunelysupplementingthem.Thepriestis,indeed,bothbyvocationanddivinecommission,thechiefapostleandtirelessfurthereroftheChristianeducationofyouth;inthenameofGod,thepriestblessesChristianmarriage,anddefendsitssanctityandindissolubilityagainsttheattacksandevasionssuggestedbycupidityandsensuality;thepriestcontributesmoreeffectivelytothesolution,oratleastthemitigation,ofsocialconflicts,sincehepreachesChristianbrotherhood,declarestoalltheirmutualobligationsofjusticeandcharity,bringspeacetoheartsembitteredbymoralandeconomichardship,andaliketorichandpoorpointsouttheonlytruerichestowhichallmenbothcanandshouldaspire.Finally,thepriestisthemostvalorousleaderinthatcrusadeofexpiationandpenancetowhichWehaveinvitedallmenofgoodwill.Forthereisneedofreparationfortheblasphemies,wickednessandcrimeswhichdishonorhumanitytoday,anageperhapsunparalleledinitsneedforthemercyandpardonofGod.TheenemiesoftheChurchthemselveswellknowthevitalimportanceofthepriesthood;foragainstthepriesthoodinparticular,asWehavealreadyhadtolamentinthecaseofOurdearMexico,theydirectthepointoftheirattacks.Itisthepriesthoodtheydesiretoberidof;thattheymayclearthewayforthatdestructionoftheChurch,whichhasbeensooftenattemptedyetneverachieved.8.Thehumanracehasalwaysfelttheneedofapriesthood:ofmen,thatis,whohavetheofficialchargetobemediatorsbetweenGodandhumanity,menwhoshouldconsecratethemselvesentirelytothismediation,astotheverypurposeoftheirlives,mensetasidetooffertoGodpublicprayersandsacrificesinthenameofhumansociety.ForhumansocietyassuchisboundtooffertoGodpublicandsocialworship.ItisboundtoacknowledgeinHimitsSupremeLordandfirstbeginning,andtostrivetowardHimastoitslastend,togiveHimthanksandofferHimpropitiation.Infact,priestsaretobefoundamongallpeopleswhosecustomsareknown,exceptthosecompelledbyviolencetoactagainstthemostsacredlawsofhumannature.Theymay,indeed,beintheserviceoffalsedivinities;but

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whereverreligionisprofessed,whereveraltarsarebuilt,therealsoisapriesthoodsurroundedbyparticularmarksofhonorandveneration.9.YetinthesplendorofDivineRevelationthepriestisseeninvestedwithadignityfargreaterstill.ThisdignitywasforeshadowedofoldbythevenerableandmysteriousfigureofMelchisedech,PriestandKing,whomSt.PaulrecallsasprefiguringthePersonandPriesthoodofChristOurLordHimself.10.Thepriest,accordingtothemagnificentdefinitiongivenbySt.PaulisindeedamanExhominibusassumptus,“takenfromamongstmen,”yetprohominibusconstituiturinhisquaesuntadDeum,“ordainedformeninthethingsthatappertaintoGod”:hisofficeisnotforhumanthings,andthingsthatpassaway,howeverloftyandvaluablethesemayseem;butforthingsdivineandenduring.Theseeternalthingsmay,perhaps,throughignorance,bescornedandcontemned,orevenattackedwithdiabolicalfuryandmalice,assadexperiencehasoftenproved,andproveseventoday;buttheyalwayscontinuetoholdthefirstplaceintheaspirations,individualandsocial,ofhumanity,becausethehumanheartfeelsirresistiblyitismadeforGodandisrestlesstillitrestsinHim.11.TheOldLaw,inspiredbyGodandpromulgatedbyMoses,setupapriesthood,whichwas,inthismanner,ofdivineinstitution;anddeterminedforiteverydetailofitsduty,residenceandrite.ItwouldseemthatGod,inHisgreatcareforthem,wishedtoimpressuponthestillprimitivemindoftheJewishpeopleonegreatcentralidea.Thisideathroughoutthehistoryofthechosenpeople,wastosheditslightoverallevents,laws,ranksandoffices:theideaofsacrificeandpriesthood.Theseweretobecome,throughfaithinthefutureMessias,asourceofhope,glory,powerandspiritualliberation.ThetempleofSolomon,astonishinginrichnessandsplendor,wasstillmorewonderfulinitsritesandordinances.ErectedtotheonetrueGodasatabernacleofthedivineMajestyuponearth,itwasalsoasublimepoemsungtothatsacrificeandthatpriesthood,which,thoughtypeandsymbol,wasstillsoaugust,thatthesacredfigureofitsHighPriestmovedtheconquerorAlexandertheGreat,tobowinreverence;andGodHimselfvisitedHiswrathupontheimpiouskingBalthasarbecausehemaderevelwiththesacredvesselsofthetemple.YetthatancientpriesthoodderiveditsgreatestmajestyandgloryfrombeingaforetypeoftheChristianpriesthood;thepriesthoodoftheNewandeternalCovenantsealedwiththeBloodoftheRedeemeroftheworld,JesusChrist,trueGodandtrueMan.12.TheApostleoftheGentilesthusperfectlysumsupwhatmaybesaidofthegreatness,thedignityandthedutyoftheChristianpriesthood:SicnosexistimethomoUtministrosChristietdispensatoresmysteriorumDei—“LetamansoaccountofusasoftheministersofChristandthedispensersofthemysteriesofGod.”ThepriestistheministerofChrist,aninstrument,thatistosay,inthehandsoftheDivineRedeemer.Hecontinuestheworkoftheredemptioninallitsworld-embracinguniversalityanddivineefficacy,thatworkthatwroughtsomarvelousatransformationintheworld.Thusthepriest,asissaidwithgoodreason,isindeed“anotherChrist”;for,insomeway,heishimselfacontinuationofChrist.“AstheFatherhathsentMe,Ialsosendyou,”isspokentothepriest,andhencethepriest,

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likeChrist,continuestogive“glorytoGodinthehighestandonearthpeacetomenofgoodwill.”13.For,inthefirstplace,astheCouncilofTrentteaches,JesusChristattheLastSupperinstitutedthesacrificeandthepriesthoodoftheNewCovenant:“ourLordandGod,althoughonceandforall,bymeansofHisdeathonthealtarofthecross,HewastoofferHimselftoGodtheFather,thatthereonHemightaccomplisheternalRedemption;yetbecausedeathwasnottoputanendtohispriesthood,attheLastSupper,thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayedinordertoleavetoHisbelovedspousetheChurch,asacrificewhichshouldbevisible(asthenatureofmanrequires),whichshouldrepresentthatbloodysacrifice,onceandforalltobecompletedonthecross,whichshouldperpetuateHismemorytotheendoftime,andwhichshouldapplyitssavingpoweruntotheremissionofsinswedailycommit,showingHimselfmadeapriestforeveraccordingtotheorderofMelchisedech,offeredtoGodtheFather,undertheappearanceofbreadandwine,HisBodyandBlood,givingthemtotheapostles(whomHewasthenmakingpriestsoftheNewCovenant)tobeconsumedunderthesignsofthesesamethings,andcommandedtheApostlesandtheirsuccessorsinthepriesthoodtoofferthem,bythewords‘DothisincommemorationofMe.’”14.Andthenceforth,theApostles,andtheirsuccessorsinthepriesthood,begantolifttoheaventhat“cleanoblation”foretoldbyMalachy,throughwhichthenameofGodisgreatamongthegentiles.Andnow,thatsameoblationineverypartoftheworldandateveryhourofthedayandnight,isofferedandwillcontinuetobeofferedwithoutinterruptiontilltheendoftime:atruesacrificialact,notmerelysymbolical,whichhasarealefficacyuntothereconciliationofsinnerswiththeDivineMajesty.15.“Appeasedbythisoblation,theLordgrantsgraceandthegiftofrepentance,andforgivesiniquitiesandsins,howevergreat.”ThereasonofthisisgivenbythesameCouncilinthesewords:“ForthereisoneandthesameVictim,thereispresentthesameChristwhoonceofferedHimselfupontheCross,whonowoffersHimselfbytheministryofpriests,onlythemanneroftheofferingbeingdifferent.”16.Andthustheineffablegreatnessofthehumanprieststandsforthinallitssplendor;forhehaspowerovertheveryBodyofJesusChrist,andmakesItpresentuponouraltars.InthenameofChristHimselfheoffersItavictiminfinitelypleasingtotheDivineMajesty.“Wondrousthingsarethese,”justlyexclaimsSt.JohnChrysostom,“sowonderful,theysurpasswonder.”17.BesidesthispowerovertherealBodyofChrist,thepriesthasreceivedotherpowers,augustandsublime,overHisMysticalBodyofChrist,adoctrinesodeartoSt.Paul;thisbeautifuldoctrinethatshowsusthePersonoftheWord-made-FleshinunionwithallHisbrethren.ForfromHimtothemcomesasupernaturalinfluence,sothatthey,withHimasHead,formasingleBodyofwhichtheyarethemembers.Nowapriestistheappointed“dispenserofthemysteriesofGod,”forthebenefitofthemembersofthemysticalBodyof

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Christ;sinceheistheordinaryministerofnearlyalltheSacraments,—thosechannelsthroughwhichthegraceoftheSaviorflowsforthegoodofhumanity.TheChristian,atalmosteveryimportantstageofhismortalcareer,findsathissidethepriestwithpowerreceivedfromGod,intheactofcommunicatingorincreasingthatgracewhichisthesupernaturallifeofhissoul.18.Scarcelyishebornbeforethepriestbaptizinghim,bringshimbyanewbirthtoamorenobleandpreciouslife,asupernaturallife,andmakeshimasonofGodandoftheChurchofJesusChrist.Tostrengthenhimtofightbravelyinspiritualcombats,apriestinvestedwithspecialdignitymakeshimasoldierofChristbyholychrism.Then,assoonasheisabletorecognizeandvaluetheBreadofAngels,thepriestgivesIttohim,thelivingandlife-givingFoodcomedownfromHeaven.Ifhefall,thepriestraiseshimupagaininthenameofGod,andreconcileshimtoGodwiththeSacramentofPenance.Again,ifheiscalledbyGodtofoundafamilyandtocollaboratewithHiminthetransmissionofhumanlifethroughouttheworld,thusincreasingthenumberofthefaithfulonearthand,thereafter,theranksoftheelectinHeaven,thepriestistheretoblesshisespousalsandunblemishedlove;andwhen,finally,arrivedattheportalsofeternity,theChristianfeelstheneedofstrengthandcouragebeforepresentinghimselfatthetribunaloftheDivineJudge,thepriestwiththeholyoilsanointsthefailingmembersofthesickordyingChristian,andreconsecratesandcomfortshim.19.ThusthepriestaccompaniestheChristianthroughoutthepilgrimageofthislifetothegatesofHeaven.Heaccompaniesthebodytoitsrestingplaceinthegravewithritesandprayersofimmortalhope.AndevenbeyondthethresholdofeternityhefollowsthesoultoaiditwithChristiansuffrages,ifneedtherebeoffurtherpurificationandalleviation.Thus,fromthecradletothegravethepriestiseverbesidethefaithful,aguide,asolace,aministerofsalvationanddispenserofgraceandblessing.20.ButamongallthesepowersofthepriestovertheMysticalBodyofChristforthebenefitofthefaithful,thereisoneofwhichthesimplementionmadeabovewillnotcontentUs.Thisisthatpowerwhich,asSt.JohnChrysostomsays:“GodgaveneithertoAngelsnorArchangels”—thepowertoremitsins.“Whosesinsyoushallforgivetheyareforgiventhem:andwhosesinsyoushallretaintheyareretained”;atremendouspower,sopeculiartoGodthatevenhumanpridecouldnotmakethemindconceivethatitcouldbegiventoman.“WhocanforgivesinsbutGodalone?”And,whenweseeitexercisedbyameremanthereisreasontoaskourselves,not,indeed,withpharisaicalscandal,butwithreverentsurpriseatsuchadignity:“Whoisthisthatforgivethsinsalso?”Butitisso:theGod-Manwhopossessedthe“poweronearthtoforgivesins”willedtohanditontoHispriests;torelieve,inHisdivinegenerosityandmercy,theneedofmoralpurificationwhichisrootedinthehumanheart.21.Whatacomforttotheguilty,when,stungwithremorseandrepentingofhissins,hehearsthewordofthepriestwhosaystohiminGod’sname:“Iabsolvetheefromthysins!”Thesewordsfall,itistrue,fromthelipsofonewho,inhisturn,mustneedsbegthesame

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absolutionfromanotherpriest.Thisdoesnotdebasethemercifulgift;butmakesit,rather,appeargreater;sincebeyondtheweakcreatureisseenmoreclearlythehandofGodthroughwhosepoweriswroughtthiswonder.Asanillustriouslaymanhaswritten,treatingwithrarecompetenceofspiritualthings:“...whenapriest,groaninginspiritathisownunworthinessandattheloftinessofhisoffice,placeshisconsecratedhandsuponourheads;when,humiliatedatfindinghimselfthedispenseroftheBloodoftheCovenant;eachtimeamazedashepronouncesthewordsthatgivelife;whenasinnerhasabsolvedasinner;we,whorisefromourkneesbeforehim,feelwehavedonenothingdebasing...WehavebeenatthefeetofamanwhorepresentedJesusChrist,...wehavebeentheretoreceivethedignityoffreemenandofsonsofGod.”22.TheseaugustpowersareconferreduponthepriestinaspecialSacramentdesignedtothisend:theyarenotmerelypassingortemporaryinthepriest,butarestableandperpetual,unitedastheyarewiththeindeliblecharacterimprintedonhissoulwherebyhebecomes“apriestforever”;wherebyhebecomeslikeuntoHiminwhoseeternalpriesthoodhehasbeenmadeasharer.Eventhemostlamentabledownfall,which,throughhumanfrailty,ispossibletoapriest,canneverblotoutfromhissoulthepriestlycharacter.Butalongwiththischaracterandthesepowers,thepriestthroughtheSacramentofOrdersreceivesnewandspecialgracewithspecialhelps.Thereby,ifonlyhewillloyallyfurther,byhisfreeandpersonalcooperation,thedivinelypowerfulactionofthegraceitself,hewillbeableworthilytofulfillalltheduties,howeverarduous,ofhisloftycalling.Hewillnotbeoverborne,butwillbeabletobearthetremendousresponsibilitiesinherenttohispriestlyduty;responsibilitieswhichhavemadefearfuleventhestoutestchampionsoftheChristianpriesthood,menlikeSt.JohnChrysostom,St.Ambrose,St.GregorytheGreat,St.Charlesandmanyothers.23.TheCatholicpriestisministerofChristanddispenserofthemysteriesofGodinanotherway,thatis,byhiswords.The“ministryoftheword”isarightwhichisinalienable;itisadutywhichcannotbedisallowed;foritisimposedbyJesusChristHimself:“Going,therefore,teachyeallnations...teachingthemtoobserveallthingswhatsoeverIhavecommandedyou.”TheChurchofChrist,depositoryandinfallibleguardianofdivinerevelation,bymeansofherpriests,poursoutthetreasuresofheavenlytruth;shepreachesHimwhois“thetrueLightwhichenlightenetheverymanthatcomethintothisworld”;shesowswithdivinebountythatseedwhichissmallandworthlesstotheprofaneeyesoftheworld,butwhichislikethemustardseedoftheGospel.Forithaswithinitselfpowertostrikestrongdeeprootsinsoulswhicharesincereandthirstingforthetruth,andmakethemlikesturdytreesabletowithstandthewildeststorms.24.Amidstalltheaberrationsofhumanthought,infatuatedbyafalseemancipationfromeverylawandcurb;andamidsttheawfulcorruptionsofhumanmalice,theChurchrisesuplikeabrightlighthousewarningbytheclearnessofitsbeameverydeviationtorightorleftfromthewayoftruth,andpointingouttooneandalltherightcoursethattheyshouldfollow.Woeifeverthisbeaconshouldbe—Wedonotsayextinguished,forthatisimpossibleowingtotheunfailingpromisesonwhichitisfounded—butifitshouldbe

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hinderedfromsheddingfarandwideitsbeneficentlight!WeseealreadywithOurowneyeswhithertheworldhasbeenbroughtbyitsarrogantrejectionofdivinerevelation,anditspursuitoffalsephilosophicalandmoraltheoriesthatbearthespeciousnameof“science.”ThatithasnotfallenstilllowerdowntheslopeoferrorandviceisduetotheguidanceofthelightofChristiantruththatalwaysshinesintheworld.NowtheChurchexercisesher“ministryoftheword”throughherpriestsofeverygradeoftheHierarchy,inwhicheachhashiswiselyallottedplace.Theseshesendseverywhereasunweariedheraldsofthegoodtidingswhichalonecansaveandadvancetruecivilizationandculture,orhelpthemtoriseagain.Thewordofthepriestentersthesoulandbringslightandpower;thevoiceofthepriestrisescalmlyabovethestormsofpassion,fearlesslytoproclaimthetruth,andexhorttothegood;thattruthwhichelucidatesandsolvesthegravestproblemsofhumanlife;thatgoodwhichnomisfortunecantakefromus,whichdeathbutsecuresandrendersimmortal.25.Considerthetruthsthemselveswhichthepriestiffaithfultohisministry,mustfrequentlyinculcate.Ponderthemonebyoneanddwellupontheirinnerpower;fortheymakeplaintheinfluenceofthepriest,andhowstrongandbeneficentitcanbeforthemoraleducation,socialconcordandpeacefuldevelopmentofpeoples.Hebringshometoyoungandoldthefleetingnatureofthepresentlife;theperishablenessofearthlygoods;thevalueofspiritualgoodsandoftheimmortalsoul;theseverityofdivinejudgment;thespotlessholinessofthedivinegazethatreadstheheartsofall;thejusticeofGod,which“willrendertoeverymanaccordingtohisworks.”Theseandsimilarlessonsthepriestteaches;ateachingfittedindeedtomoderatethefeverishsearchforpleasure,andtheuncontrolledgreedforworldlygoods,thatdebasesomuchofmodernlife,andspuronthedifferentclassesofsocietytofightoneanotherlikeenemies,insteadofhelpingoneanotherlikefriends.Inthisclashofselfishinterest,andunleashedhate,anddarkplansofrevenge,nothingcouldbebetterormorepowerfultohelp,thanloudlytoproclaimthe“newcommandment”ofChrist.Thatcommandmentenjoinsalovewhichextendstoall,knowsnobarriersnornationalboundaries,excludesnorace,exceptsnotevenitsownenemies.26.Theexperienceoftwentycenturiesfullyandgloriouslyrevealsthepowerforgoodofthewordofthepriest.Beingthefaithfulechoandreechoofthe“wordofGod,”which“islivingandeffectualandmorepiercingthananytwo-edgedsword,’ittooreaches“untothedivisionofthesoulandspirit”;itawakensheroismofeverykind,ineveryclassandplace,andinspirestheselfforgettingdeedsofthemostgeneroushearts.AllthegoodthatChristiancivilizationhasbroughtintotheworldisdue,atleastradically,tothewordandworksoftheCatholicpriesthood.Suchapastmight,toitself,serveassufficientguaranteeforthefuture;butwehaveastillmoresecureguarantee,“amorefirmpropheticalword”intheinfalliblepromisesofChrist.27.Thework,too,oftheMissionsmanifestsmostvividlythepowerofexpansiongivenbydivinegracetotheChurch.Thisworkisadvancedandcarriedonprincipallybypriests.Pioneersoffaithandlove,atthecostofinnumerablesacrifices,theyextendandwidentheKingdomofGoduponearth.

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28.Finally,thepriest,inanotherway,followstheexampleofChrist.OfHimitiswrittenthatHe“passedthewholenightintheprayerofGod”and“everlivestomakeintercessionforus”;andlikeHim,thepriest,ispublicandofficialintercessorofhumanitybeforeGod;hehasthedutyandcommissionofofferingtoGodinthenameoftheChurch,overandabovesacrificestrictlyso-called,the“sacrificeofpraise,”inpublicandofficialprayer;forseveraltimeseachdaywithpsalms,prayersandhymnstakeningreatpartfromtheinspiredbooks,hepaystoGodthisdutifultributeofadorationandthusperformshisnecessaryofficeofintercedingforhumanity.Andneverdidhumanity,initsafflictions,standmoreinneedofintercessionandofthedivinehelpwhichitbrings.Whocantellhowmanychastisementspriestlyprayerwardsofffromsinfulmankind,howmanyblessingsitbringsdownandsecures?29.IfOurLordmadesuchmagnificentandsolemnpromiseseventoprivateprayers,howmuchmorepowerfulmustbethatprayerwhichissaidexofficiointhenameoftheChurch,thebelovedSpouseoftheSavior?TheChristian,thoughinprosperitysooftenforgetfulofGod,yetinthedepthofhisheartkeepshisconfidenceinprayer,feelsthatprayerisallpowerful,andasbyaholyinstinct,ineverydistress,ineveryperilwhetherprivateorpublic,hasrecoursewithspecialtrusttotheprayerofthepriest.Toittheunfortunateofeverysortlookforcomfort;toittheyhaverecourse,seekingdivineaidinallthevicissitudesofthisexilehereonearth.Trulydoesthe“priestoccupyaplacemidwaybetweenGodandhumannature:fromHimbringingtousabsolvingbeneficence,offeringourprayerstoHimandappeasingthewrathfulLord.”30.AlasttributetothepriesthoodisgivenbytheenemiesoftheChurch.ForasWehavesaidonapreviouspage,theyshowthattheyfullyappreciatethedignityandimportanceoftheCatholicpriesthood,bydirectingagainstittheirfirstandfiercestblows;sincetheyknowwellhowcloseisthetiethatbindstheChurchtoherpriests.ThemostrabidenemiesoftheCatholicpriesthoodaretodaytheveryenemiesofGod;ahomageindeedtothepriesthood,showingitthemoreworthyofhonorandveneration.31.Mostsublime,then,VenerableBrethren,isthedignityofthepriesthood.Eventhefallingawayofthefewunworthyinthepriesthood,howeverdeplorableanddistressingitmaybe,cannotdimthesplendorofsoloftyadignity.Muchlesscantheunworthinessofafewcausetheworthandmeritofsomanytobeoverlooked;andhowmanyhavebeen,andare,inthepriesthood,preeminentinholiness,inlearning,inworksofzeal,nay,eveninmartyrdom.32.Normustitbeforgottenthatpersonalunworthinessdoesnothindertheefficacyofapriest’sministry.FortheunworthinessoftheministerdoesnotmakevoidtheSacramentsheadministers;sincetheSacramentsderivetheirefficacyfromtheBloodofChrist,independentlyofthesanctityoftheinstrument,or,asscholasticlanguageexpressesit,theSacramentsworktheireffectexopereoperato.

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33.Nevertheless,itisquitetruethatsoholyanofficedemandsholinessinhimwhoholdsit.Apriestshouldhavealoftinessofspirit,apurityofheartandasanctityoflifebefittingthesolemnityandholinessoftheofficeheholds.Forthis,asWehavesaid,makesthepriestamediatorbetweenGodandman;amediatorintheplace,andbythecommandofHimwhois“theonemediatorofGodandmen,themanJesusChrist.”Thepriestmust,therefore,approachascloseaspossibletotheperfectionofHimwhosevicarheis,andrenderhimselfevermoreandmorepleasingtoGod,bythesanctityofhislifeandofhisdeeds;becausemorethanthescentofincense,orthebeautyofchurchesandaltars,Godlovesandacceptsholiness.“TheywhoaretheintermediariesbetweenGodandHispeople,”saysSt.Thomas,“mustbearagoodconsciencebeforeGod,andagoodnameamongmen.”Onthecontrary,whosoeverhandlesandadministersholythings,whileblameworthyinhislife,profanesthemandisguiltyofsacrilege:“Theywhoarenotholyoughtnottohandleholythings.”34.ForthisreasonevenintheOldTestamentGodcommandedHispriestsandlevites:“LetthemthereforebeholybecauseIamalsoholy:theLordwhosanctifythem.”Inhiscanticleforthededicationofthetemple,SolomontheWisemadethissamerequesttotheLordinfavorofthesonsofAaron:“LetThypriestsbeclothedwithjustice:andletThysaintsrejoice.”So,VenerableBrethren,maywenotaskwithSt.RobertBellarmine:“Ifsogreatuprightness,holinessandlivelydevotionwasrequiredofpriestswhoofferedsheepandoxen,andpraisedGodforthemoralblessings;what,Iask,isrequiredofthosepriestswhosacrificetheDivineLambandgivethanksforeternalblessings?”“Agreatdignity,”exclaimsSt.LawrenceJustinian,“butgreattooistheresponsibility;placedhighintheeyesofmentheymustalsobelifteduptothepeakofvirtuebeforetheeyeofHimwhoseethall;otherwisetheirelevationwillbenottotheirmeritbuttotheirdamnation.”35.AndsurelyeveryreasonWehaveurgedinshowingthedignityoftheCatholicpriesthooddoesbutreinforceitsobligationofsingularholiness;forastheAngelicDoctorteaches:“TofulfillthedutiesofHolyOrders,commongoodnessdoesnotsuffice;butexcellinggoodnessisrequired;thattheywhoreceiveOrdersandaretherebyhigherinrankthanthepeople,mayalsobehigherinholiness.”TheEucharisticSacrificeinwhichtheImmaculateVictimwhotakethawaythesinsoftheworldisimmolated,requiresinaspecialwaythatthepriest,byaholyandspotlesslife,shouldmakehimselfasfarashecan,lessunworthyofGod,towhomhedailyoffersthatadorableVictim,theveryWordofGodincarnateforloveofus.Agnoscitequodagitis,imitaminiquodtractatis,“realizewhatyouaredoing,andimitatewhatyouhandle,”saystheChurchthroughtheBishoptothedeaconsastheyareabouttobeconsecratedpriests.ThepriestisalsothealmonerofGod’sgracesofwhichtheSacramentsarethechannels;howgraveareproachwoulditbe,foronewhodispensesthesemostpreciousgraceswerehehimselfwithoutthem,orwereheeventoesteemthemlightlyandguardthemwithlittlecare.36.Moreover,thepriestmustteachthetruthsoffaith;butthetruthsofreligionareneversoworthilyandeffectivelytaughtaswhentaughtbyvirtue;becauseinthecommonsaying:“Deedsspeaklouderthanwords.”ThepriestmustpreachthelawoftheGospel;butforthatpreachingtobeeffective,themostobviousand,bytheGraceofGod,themost

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persuasiveargument,istoseetheactualpracticeofthelawinhimwhopreachesit.St.GregorytheGreatgivesthereason:“Thevoicewhichpenetratestheheartsofthehearers,isthevoicecommendedbythespeaker’sownlife;becausewhathiswordenjoins,hisexamplehelpstobringabout.”ThisexactlyiswhatHolyScripturesaysofourDivineSavior:He“begantodoandtoteach.”AndthecrowdshailedHim,notsomuchbecause“neverdidmanspeaklikethisman,”butratherbecause“Hehathdoneallthingswell.”Ontheotherhand,theywho“sayanddonot,”practicingnotwhattheypreach,becomelikethescribesandPharisees.AndOurLord’srebuketotheotherhand,theywho“sayanddonot,”practicingnotwhattheypreach,thewordofGod,wasyetadministeredpublicly,inthepresenceofthelisteningcrowd:“TheScribesandPhariseeshavesittenonthechairofMoses.Allthingsthereforewhatsoevertheyshallsaytoyouobserveanddo:butaccordingtotheirworkdoyenot.”Apreacherwhodoesnottrytoratifybyhislife’sexamplethetruthhepreaches,onlypullsdownwithonehandwhathebuildsupwiththeother.Onthecontrary,Godgreatlyblessesthelaborofthoseheraldsofthegospelwhoattendfirsttotheirownholiness;theyseetheirapostolateflourishingandfruitful,andinthedayoftheharvest,“comingtheyshallcomewithjoyfulnesscarryingintheirsheaves.”37.Itwouldbeagraveerrorfraughtwithmanydangersshouldthepriest,carriedawaybyfalsezeal,neglecthisownsanctification,andbecomeoverimmersedintheexternalworks,howeverholy,ofthepriestlyministry.Thereby,hewouldrunadoublerisk.Inthefirstplaceheendangershisownsalvation,asthegreatApostleoftheGentilesfearedforhimself:“ButIchastisemybody,andbringitintosubjection:lestperhaps,whenIhavepreachedtoothers,Imyselfshouldbecomeacastaway.”Inthesecondplacehemightlose,ifnotdivinegrace,certainlythatunctionoftheHolySpiritwhichgivessuchamarvelousforceandefficacytotheexternalapostolate.38.NowtoallChristiansingeneralithasbeensaid:“BeyeperfectasyourHeavenlyFatherisperfect”;howmuchmorethenshouldthepriestconsiderthesewordsoftheDivineMasterasspokentohimself,calledasheisbyaspecialvocationtofollowChristmoreclosely.HencetheChurchpubliclyurgesonallherclericsthismostgraveduty,placingitinthecodeofherlaws:“Clericsmustleadalife,bothinteriorandexterior,moreholythanthelaity,andbeanexampletothembyexcellinginvirtueandgoodworks.”AndsincethepriestisanambassadorforChrist,heshouldsoliveastobeablewithtruthtomakehisownthewordsoftheApostle:“Beyefollowersofme,asIalsoamofChrist”;heoughttoliveasanotherChristwhobythesplendorofHisvirtueenlightenedandstillenlightenstheworld.39.Itisplain,then,thatallChristianvirtuesshouldflourishinthesoulofthepriest.Yettherearesomevirtueswhichinaveryparticularmannerattachthemselvestothepriestasmostbefittingandnecessarytohim.Ofthesethefirstispiety,orgodliness,accordingtotheexhortationoftheApostletohisbelovedTimothy:Exerce...teipsumadpietatem,“exercisethyselfuntogodliness.”Indeedthepriest’srelationswithGodaresointimate,sodelicateandsofrequent,thatclearlytheyshouldeverbegracedbythesweetodorofpiety;if“godlinessisprofitabletoallthings,”itisespeciallyprofitabletoarightexerciseofthepriestlycharge.Withoutpietytheholiestpractices,themostsolemnritesofthesacred

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ministry,willbeperformedmechanicallyandoutofhabit;theywillbedevoidofspirit,unctionandlife.Butremark,VenerableBrethren,thepietyofwhichWespeakisnotthatshallowandsuperficialpietywhichattractsbutdoesnotnourish,isbusybutdoesnotsanctify.Wemeanthatsolidpietywhichisnotdependentuponchangingmoodorfeeling.Itisbaseduponprinciplesofsounddoctrine;itisruledbystaunchconvictions;andsoitresiststheassaultsandtheillusionsoftemptation.ThispietyshouldprimarilybedirectedtowardsGodourFatherinHeaven;yetitshouldbeextendedalsototheMotherofGod.ThepriestevenmorethanthefaithfulshouldhavedevotiontoOurLady,fortherelationofthepriesttoChristismoredeeplyandtrulylikethatwhichMarybearstoherDivineSon.40.ItisimpossibletotreatofthepietyofaCatholicpriestwithoutbeingdrawnontospeak,too,ofanothermostprecioustreasureoftheCatholicpriesthood,thatis,ofchastity;forfrompietyspringsthemeaningandthebeautyofchastity.ClericsoftheLatinChurchinhigherOrdersareboundbyagraveobligationofchastity;sograveistheobligationinthemofitsperfectandtotalobservancethatatransgressioninvolvestheaddedguiltofsacrilege.41.Thoughthislawdoesnotbind,inallitsamplitude,clericsoftheOrientalChurches,yetamongthemalso,ecclesiasticalcelibacyisrevered;indeedinsomecases,especiallyinthehigherOrdersoftheHierarchy,itisanecessaryandobligatoryrequisite.42.Acertainconnectionbetweenthisvirtueandthesacerdotalministrycanbeseenevenbythelightofreasonalone:since“GodisaSpirit,”itisonlyfittingthathewhodedicatesandconsecrateshimselftoGod’sserviceshouldinsomeway“divesthimselfofthebody.”TheancientRomansperceivedthisfitness;oneoftheirlawswhichranAddivosadeuntocaste,“approachthegodschastely,”isquotedbyoneoftheirgreatestoratorswiththefollowingcomment:“Thelawordersustopresentourselvestothegodsinchastity—ofspirit,thatis,inwhichareallthings,ordoesthisexcludechastityofthebody,whichistobeunderstood,sincethespiritissofarsuperiortothebody;foritshouldberememberedthatbodilychastitycannotbepreserved,unlessspiritualchastitybemaintained.”IntheOldLaw,MosesinthenameofGodcommandedAaronandhissonstoremainwithintheTabernacle,andsotokeepcontinent,duringthesevendaysinwhichtheywereexercisingtheirsacredfunctions.43.ButtheChristianpriesthood,beingmuchsuperiortothatoftheOldLaw,demandedastillgreaterpurity.Thelawofecclesiasticalcelibacy,whosefirstwrittentracespre-supposeastillearlierunwrittenpractice,datesbacktoacanonoftheCouncilofElvira,atthebeginningofthefourthcentury,whenpersecutionstillraged.ThislawonlymakesobligatorywhatmightinanycasealmostbetermedamoralexigencythatspringsfromtheGospelandtheApostolicpreaching.FortheDivineMastershowedsuchhighesteemforchastity,andexalteditassomethingbeyondthecommonpower;HeHimselfwastheSonofaVirginMother,FloremMatrisVirginis,andwasbroughtupinthevirginfamilyofJosephandMary;HeshowedspecialloveforpuresoulssuchasthetwoJohns—theBaptistandtheEvangelist.TheggreatApostlePaul,faithfulinterpreteroftheNewLawandofthemindofChrist,preachedtheinestimablevalueofvirginity,inviewofamoreferventserviceof

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God,andgavethereasonwhenhesaid:“HethatiswithoutawifeissolicitousforthethingsthatbelongtotheLord,howhemaypleaseGod.”Allthishadalmostinevitableconsequences:thepriestsoftheNewLawfelttheheavenlyattractionofthischosenvirtue;theysoughttobeofthenumberofthose“towhomitisgiventotakethisword,”andtheyspontaneouslyboundthemselvestoitsobservance.Soonitcameaboutthatthepractice,intheLatinChurch,receivedthesanctionofecclesiasticallaw.TheSecondCouncilofCarthageattheendofthefourthcenturydeclared:“WhattheApostlestaught,andtheearlyChurchpreserved,letustoo,observe.”44.IntheOrientalChurch,too,mostillustriousFathersbearwitnesstotheexcellenceofCatholiccelibacy.InthismatterasinotherstherewasharmonybetweentheLatinandOrientalChurcheswhereaccuratedisciplineflourished.St.Epiphaniusattheendofthefourthcenturytellsusthatcelibacyappliedeventothesubdiaconate:“TheChurchdoesnotonanyaccountadmitamanlivingintheweddedstateandhavingchildren,eventhoughhehaveonlyonewife,totheordersofdeacon,priest,bishoporsubdeacon;butonlyhimwhosewifebedeadorwhoshouldabstainfromtheuseofmarriage;thisisdoneinthoseplacesespeciallywheretheecclesiasticalcanonsareaccuratelyfollowed.”TheDeaconofEdessaandDoctoroftheUniversalChurch,wellcalledtheHarpoftheHolySpirit,St.Ephraem,theSyrian,isparticularlyeloquentonthismatter.Inoneofhispoems,addressedtohisfriend,thebishopAbraham,hesays:“Thouarttruetothyname,Abraham,forthoualsoartthefatherofmany:butbecausethouhastnowifeasAbrahamhadSara,beholdthyflockisthyspouse.Bringupitschildreninthytruth;maytheybecometotheechildrenofthespiritandsonsofthepromisethatmakesthemheirstoEden.Osweetfruitofchastity,inwhichthepriesthoodfindsitsdelights...thehornofplentyflowedoverandanointedthee,ahandrestedontheeandchosetheeout,theChurchdesiredtheeandheldtheedear.”Andinanotherplace:“Itisnotenoughforthepriestandthenameofthepriesthood,itisnotenough,Isay,forhimwhooffersupthelivingbody,tocleansehissoulandtongueandhandandmakespotlesshiswholebody;buthemustatalltimesbeabsolutelyandpreeminentlypure,becauseheisestablishedasamediatorbetweenGodandthehumanrace.MayHebepraisedwhomadeHisservantsclean!”St.JohnChrysostomaffirms:“Thepriestmustbesopurethat,ifheweretobeliftedupandplacedintheheavensthemselves,hemighttakeaplaceinthemidstoftheAngels.”45.Inshorttheveryheight,or,touseSt.Epiphanius’phrase,“theincrediblehonoranddignity”oftheChristianpriesthood,whichWehavebrieflydescribed,showshowbecomingisclericalcelibacyandthelawwhichenjoinsit.Priestshaveadutywhich,inacertainway,ishigherthanthatofthemostpurespirits“whostandbeforetheLord.”Isitnotright,then,thatheliveanallbutangeliclife?ApriestisonewhoshouldbetotallydedicatedtothethingsoftheLord.Isitnotright,then,thathebeentirelydetachedfromthethingsoftheworld,andhavehisconversationinHeaven?Apriest’schargeistobesolicitousfortheeternalsalvationofsouls,continuingintheirregardtheworkoftheRedeemer.Isitnot,then,fittingthathekeephimselffreefromthecaresofafamily,whichwouldabsorbagreatpartofhisenergies?

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46.Andtrulyanordinationceremony,frequentthoughitbeintheCatholicChurch,neverfailstotouchtheheartsofthosepresent:howadmirableasight,theseyoungordinands,whobeforereceivingthesubdiaconate,before,thatis,consecratingthemselvesutterlytotheserviceandtheworshipofGod,freelyrenouncethejoysandthepleasureswhichmightrightfullybetheirsinanotherwalkoflife.Wesay“freely,”forthough,afterordination,theyarenolongerfreetocontractearthlymarriage,neverthelesstheyadvancetoordinationitselfunconstrainedbyanylaworperson,andoftheirownspontaneouschoice!47.Notwithstandingallthis,WedonotwishthatwhatWesaidincommendationofclericalcelibacyshouldbeinterpretedasthoughitwereOurmindinanywaytoblame,or,asitwere,disapprovethedifferentdisciplinelegitimatelyprevailingintheOrientalChurch.WhatWehavesaidhasbeenmeantsolelytoexaltintheLordsomethingWeconsideroneofthepurestgloriesoftheCatholicpriesthood;somethingwhichseemstoustocorrespondbettertothedesiresoftheSacredHeartofJesusandtoHispurposesinregardtopriestlysouls.48.Notlessthanbyhischastity,theCatholicpriestoughttobedistinguishedbyhisdetachment.Surroundedbythecorruptionsofaworldinwhicheverythingcanbeboughtandsold,hemustpassthroughthemutterlyfreeofselfishness.Hemustholilyspurnallvilegreedofearthlygains,sinceheisinsearchofsouls,notofmoney,ofthegloryofGod,nothisown.Heisnomercenaryworkingforatemporalrecompense,noryetanemployeewho,whilstattendingconscientiouslytodutiesofhisoffice,atthesametimeislookingtohiscareerandpersonalpromotion;heisthe“goodsoldierofChrist”who“entanglethnothimselfwithsecularbusiness:thathemaypleaseHimtowhomhehathengagedhimself.”49.TheministerofGodisafatherofsouls;andheknowsthathistoilsandhiscarescannotadequatelyberepaidwithwealthandhonorsofearth.Heisnotindeedforbiddentoreceivefittingsustenance,accordingtotheteachingoftheApostle:“Theythatservethealtarmaypartakewiththealtar...soalsotheLordordainedthattheywhopreachtheGospelshouldlivebytheGospel.”Butonce“calledtotheinheritanceoftheLord,”ashisverytitle“cleric”declares,apriestmustexpectnootherrecompensethanthatpromisedbyChristtoHisApostles:“YourrewardisverygreatinHeaven.”Woetothepriestwho,forgetfulofthesedivinepromisesshouldbecome“greedyoffilthylucre.”WoeifhejointheherdoftheworldlyoverwhomtheChurchliketheApostlegrieves:“Allseekthethingsthataretheirown:notthethingsthatareJesusChrist’s.”Suchapriest,besidesfailinginhisvocation,wouldearnthecontemptevenofhisownpeople.TheywouldperceiveinhimthedeplorablecontradictionbetweenhisconductandthedoctrinesoclearlyexpoundedbyChrist,whichthepriestisboundtoteach:“Laynotuptoyourselvestreasuresonearth:wheretherustandmothconsumeandwherethievesbreakthroughandsteal.ButlayuptoyourselvestreasuresinHeaven.”Judas,anApostleofChrist,“oneofthetwelve,”astheEvangelistssadlyobserve,wasleddowntotheabyssofiniquitypreciselythroughthespiritofgreedforearthlythings.Rememberinghim,itiseasytograsphowthissamespiritcouldhavebroughtsuchharmupontheChurchthroughoutthecenturies:greed,calledbytheHolySpiritthe“rootofallevil,”canincitetoanycrime;andapriestwhoispoisonedbythis

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vice,eventhoughhestopshortofcrime,willnevertheless,consciouslyorunconsciously,makecommoncausewiththeenemiesofGodandoftheChurch,andcooperateintheirevildesigns.50.Ontheotherhand,bysinceredisinterestednessthepriestcanhopetowintheheartsofall.Fordetachmentfromearthlygoods,ifinspiredbylivelyfaith,isalwaysaccompaniedbytendercompassiontowardstheunfortunateofeverykind.Thusthepriestbecomesaveritablefatherofthepoor.MindfulofthetouchingwordsofhisSavior,“AslongasyoudidittooneoftheseMyleastbrethren,youdidittoMe,”heseesinthem,and,withparticularaffection,veneratesandlovesJesusChristHimself.51.ThustheCatholicpriestisfreedfromthebondsofafamilyandofself-interest,—thechiefbondswhichcouldbindhimtoocloselytoearth.Thusfreed,hisheartwillmorereadilytakeflamefromthatheavenlyfirethatburnsintheHeartofJesus;thatfirethatseeksonlytoinflameapostolicheartsandthroughthem“castfireonalltheearth.”Thisisthefireofzeal.LikethezealofJesusdescribedinHolyScripture,thezealofthepriestforthegloryofGodandthesalvationofsoulssoughttoconsumehim.Itshouldmakehimforgethimselfandallearthlythings.Itshouldpowerfullyurgehimtodedicatehimselfutterlytohissublimework,andtosearchoutmeansevermoreeffectiveforanapostolateeverwiderandeverbetter.52.TheGoodShepherdsaid:“AndothersheepIhavethatarenotofthisfold;themalsoImustbring;”andagain,“Seethecountriesfortheyarewhitealreadytotheharvest.”HowcanapriestmeditateuponthesewordsandnotfeelhisheartenkindledwithyearningtoleadsoulstotheHeartoftheGoodShepherd?HowcanhefailtoofferhimselftotheLordoftheharvestforunremittingtoil?OurLordsawthemultitudes“Iyinglikesheepthathavenoshepherd.”Suchmultitudesaretobeseentodaynotonlyinthefardistantlandsofthemissions,butalso,alas!incountrieswhichhavebeenChristianforcenturies.HowcanapriestseesuchmultitudesandnotfeeldeeplywithinhimselfanechoofthatdivinepitywhichsooftenmovedtheHeartoftheSonofGod?—apriest,wesay,whoisconsciousofpossessingthewordsoflifeandofhavinginhishandstheGod-givenmeansofregenerationandsalvation?53.ButthanksbetoGod,itisjustthisflameofapostoliczealwhichisoneofthebrightestjewelsinthecrownoftheCatholicpriesthood.OurheartfillswithfatherlyconsolationatthesightofOurBrothersandOurbelovedSons,BishopsandPriests,wholikechosentroopseverprompttothecalloftheirchiefhastentoalloutpostsofthisvastfield.Theretheyengageinthepeacefulbutbitterwarfareoftruthagainsterror,oflightagainstdarkness,oftheKingdomofGodagainstthekingdomofSatan.54.But,byitsverynatureasanactiveandcourageouscompany,theCatholicpriesthoodmusthavethespiritofdiscipline,or,touseamoredeeplyChristianword,obedience.ItisobediencewhichbindstogetherallranksintotheharmonyoftheChurch’sHierarchy.

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55.TheBishop,inhisadmonitiontotheordinands,says:“WithcertainwonderfulvarietyHolyChurchisclothed,madecomelyandisruled;sinceinhersomeareconsecratedPontiffs,andotherpriestsoflesserdegree,andfrommanymembersofdifferingdignitythereisformedoneBodyofChrist.”ThisobediencepriestspromisedtotheBishopafterOrdination,theholyoilstillfreshontheirhands.OnthedayofhisconsecrationtheBishop,inhisturn,sworeobediencetothesupremevisibleHeadoftheChurch,thesuccessorofSt.Peter,theVicarofJesusChrist.LetthenobediencebindeverclosertogetherthesevariousmembersoftheHierarchy,onewithanother,andallwiththeHead;andthusmaketheChurchMilitantafoetrulyterribletotheenemiesofGod,utcastrorumaciemordinatam,“asanarmysetinarray.”Letobediencetemperexcessivezealontheonehand,andputthespurtoweaknessandslacknessontheother.Letitassigntoeachhisplaceandstation.Theseeachshouldacceptwithoutresistance;forotherwisethemagnificentworkoftheChurchintheworldwouldbesadlyhindered.LeteachoneseeinthearrangementofhishierarchicalSuperiorsthearrangementsoftheonlytrueHead,whomallobey:JesusChrist,OurLord,whobecameforus“obedientuntodeath,eventothedeathofthecross.”56.ThedivineHighPriestwishedustohaveabundantwitnesstoHisownmostperfectobediencetotheEternalFather;forthisreasonboththePropheciesandtheGospelsoftentestifytotheentiresubmissionoftheSonofGodtothewilloftheFather.“WhenHecomethintotheworldHesaith;sacrificeandoblationThouwouldstnot:butabodyThouhasfittedtoMe...ThensaidI:BeholdIcome.IntheheadofthebookitiswrittenofMethatIshoulddoThywill,OGod...”“MymeatistodothewillofHimthatsentMe.”OnHisverycrossHeconsecratedobedience.HedidnotwishtocommitHissoulintothehandsofHisFatherbeforehavingdeclaredthatallwasfulfilledinHimthattheSacredScriptureshadforetold;HehadaccomplishedtheentirechargeentrustedtoHimbytheFather,eventothelastdeeplymysterious“Ithirst,”whichHepronounced“thattheScripturemightbefulfilled.”BythesewordsHewishedtoshowthatzealeventhemostardentoughtalwaystobecompletelysubjectedtothewilloftheFather;thatourzealshouldalwaysbecontrolledbyobediencetothosewhoforus,havetheplaceoftheFather,andconveytousHiswill,inotherwordsourlawfulSuperiorsintheHierarchy.57.ButtheportraitoftheCatholicpriestwhichweintendtoexhibittotheworldwouldbeunfinishedwereWetoomitanothermostimportantfeature,—learning.ThistheChurchrequiresofhim;fortheCatholicpriestissetupasa“MasterinIsrael”;hehasreceivedfromJesusChristtheofficeandcommissionofteachingtruth:“Teach...allnations.”Hemustteachthetruththathealsandsaves;andbecauseofthisteaching,liketheApostleoftheGentiles,hehasadutytowards“thelearnedandtheunlearned.”Buthowcanheteachunlesshehimselfpossessknowledge?“Thelipsofthepriestshallkeepknowledge,andtheyshallseekthelawathismouth,”saidtheHolySpiritintheProphecyofMalachy.WhocouldeverutterawordinpraiseofsacerdotallearningmoreweightythanthatwhichdivineWisdomitselfoncespokebythemouthofOsee:“Becausethouhastrejectedknowledge,IwillrejecttheethatthoushaltnotdotheofficeofpriesthoodtoMe.”ThepriestshouldhavefullgraspoftheCatholicteachingonfaithandmorals;heshouldknowhowtopresentittoothers;andheshouldbeabletogivethereasonsforthedogmas,lawsand

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observancesoftheChurchofwhichheisminister.Profanescienceshaveindeedmademuchprogress;butinreligiousquestionsthereismuchignorancestilldarkeningthemindofourcontemporaries.Thisignorancethepriestmustdispel.NeverwasmorepointedthantodaythewarningofTertullian,“Hocunumgestitinterdum(veritas),neignoratadamnetur,”“Thisalonetruthsometimecraves,thatitbenotcondemnedunheard.”Itisthe508priest’stasktoclearawayfrommen’smindsthemassofprejudicesandmisunderstandingswhichhostileadversarieshavepiledup;themodernmindiseagerforthetruth,andthepriestshouldbeabletopointitoutwithserenefrankness;therearesoulsstillhesitating,distressedbydoubts,andthepriestshouldinspirecourageandtrust,andguidethemwithcalmsecuritytothesafeportoffaith,faithacceptedbybothheadandheart;errormakesitsonslaughts,arrogantandpersistent,andthepriestshouldknowhowtomeetthemwithadefensevigorousandactive,yetsolidandunruffled.58.Therefore,VenerableBrethren,itisnecessarythatthepriest,evenamongtheabsorbingtasksofhischarge,andeverwithaviewtoit,shouldcontinuehistheologicalstudieswithunremittingzeal.Theknowledgeacquiredattheseminaryisindeedasufficientfoundationwithwhichtobegin;butitmustbegraspedmorethoroughly,andperfectedbyanever-increasingknowledgeandunderstandingofthesacredsciences.Hereinisthesourceofeffectivepreachingandofinfluenceoverthesoulsofothers.Yetevenmoreisrequired.Thedignityoftheofficeheholdsandthemaintenanceofabecomingrespectandesteemamongthepeople,whichhelpssomuchinhispastoralwork,demandmorethanpurelyecclesiasticallearning.Thepriestmustbegracedbynolessknowledgeandculturethanisusualamongwell-bredandwell-educatedpeopleofhisday.Thisistosaythathemustbehealthilymodern,asistheChurch,whichisathomeinalltimesandallplaces,andadaptsitselftoall;whichblessesandfurthersallhealthyinitiativeandhasnofearoftheprogress,eventhemostdaringprogress,ofscience;ifonlyitbetruescience.59.Indeed,inallagestheCatholicclergyhasdistinguisheditselfineveryfieldofhumanknowledge;infact,incertaincenturiesitsotooktheleadinthefieldoflearningthattheword“cleric”becamesynonymouswith“learned.”TheChurchpreservedandsavedthetreasuresofancientculture,whichwithoutherandhermonasterieswouldhavebeenalmostentirelylost;andhermostillustriousDoctorsshowthatallhumanknowledgecanhelptothrowlightuponandtodefendtheCatholicfaith.AnillustriousexampleofthisWeOurselveshaverecentlycalledtotheworld’sattention.ForWecrownedwiththehaloofsanctityandtheglorioustitleofDoctoroftheChurchthatgreatteacheroftheincomparableAquinas:AlbertofCologne,whomhiscontemporarieshadalreadyhonoredwiththetitlesofGreatandofUniversalDoctor.60.Todayitcouldhardlybehopedthattheclergycouldholdasimilarprimacyineverybranchofknowledge;therangeofhumansciencehasbecomesovastthatnomancancomprehenditall,muchlessbecomedistinguishedineachofitsnumberlessbranches.Neverthelesswiseencouragementandhelpshouldbegiventothosemembersoftheclergy,who,bytasteandspecialgifts,feelacalltodevotethemselvestostudyandresearch,inthisorthatbranchofscience,inthisorthatart;theydonottherebydenytheir

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clericalprofession;forallthis,undertakenwithinjustlimitsandundertheguidanceoftheChurch,redoundstothegoodestateoftheChurchandtothegloryofherdivineHead,JesusChrist.Andamongtherestoftheclergy,noneshouldremaincontentwithastandardoflearningandculturewhichsufficed,perhaps,inothertimes;theymusttrytoattain—or,rather,theymustactuallyattain—ahigherstandardofgeneraleducationandoflearning.Itmustbebroaderandmorecomplete;anditmustcorrespondtothegenerallyhigherlevelandwiderscopeofmoderneducationascomparedwiththepast.61.Sometimes,itistrue,andeveninmoderntimes,OurLordmakestheworld,asitwere,Hisplaything;forHehasbeenpleasedtoelecttothepriestlystatemenalmostdevoidofthatlearningofwhichWehavebeenspeaking;andthroughthemHehasworkedwonders.ButHedidthisthatallmightlearn,iftherebeachoice,toprizeholinessmorethanlearning;nottoplacemoretrustinhumanthanindivinemeans.Hedidthisbecausetheworldhasneed,fromtimetotime,tohearrepeatedthatwholesome,practicallesson:“ThefoolishthingsoftheworldhathGodchosentoconfoundthewise...thatnofleshshouldgloryinHissight.”62.Inthenaturalorder,divinemiraclessuspendforamomenttheeffectofphysicallaws,butdonotrevokethem.So,too,thecaseoftheseSaints,reallivingmiraclesinwhomhighsanctitymadeupforalltherest,doesnotmakethelessonWehavebeenteachinganythelesstrueoranythelessnecessary.63.Itisclear,then,thatvirtueandlearningarerequired,thatthereisneedofexampleandofedification,needforthepriesttospreadonallsides,andtoallwhodrawnearhim“thegoododorofChrist.”Thisneedistodaymorekeenlyfelt,andhasbecomemoreevidentandurgent.ThisisbecauseofCatholicAction,thatmovementsoconsoling,whichhaswithinitthepowertospurontotheveryhighestidealsofperfection.ThroughCatholicActiontherelationsofthelaitywithpriestsarebecomingmorefrequentandmoreintimate.Andinthiscollaboration,thelaityquitenaturallylookuponthepriestnotmerelyasaguide,butasamodelalsoofChristianlifeandofapostolicvirtue.64.Thestateofthepriesthoodisthusmostsublime,andthegiftsitcallsforverylofty.Hence,VenerableBrethren,theinescapablenecessityofgivingcandidatesforthesanctuaryatrainingcorrespondinglysuperior.65.Consciousofthisnecessity,theChurchdowntheageshasshownfornothingamoretendersolicitudeandmotherlycarethanforthetrainingofherpriests.Sheisnotunawarethat,asthereligiousandmoralconditionsofpeoplesdependingreatmeasureupontheirpriests,sotoo,thefutureofthepriestdependsonthetraininghehasreceived.ThewordsoftheHolySpiritapplynolesstrulytohimthantoothers:“Ayoungmanaccordingtohisway,evenwhenheisold,hewillnotdepartfromit.”Hence,theChurch,movedbytheHolySpirit,haswilledthateverywhereseminariesshouldbeerected,wherecandidatesforthepriesthoodmaybetrainedandeducatedwithsingularcare.

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66.Theseminaryisandshouldbetheappleofyoureye,VenerableBrethren,whosharewithUstheheavyweightofthegovernmentoftheChurch;itis,andshouldbe,thechiefobjectofyoursolicitude.Carefulaboveallshouldbethechoiceofsuperiorsandprofessors;and,inamostspecialmanner,ofthespiritualfather,whohassodelicateandsoimportantapartinthenurtureofthepriestlyspirit.Givethebestofyourclergytoyourseminaries;donotfeartotakethemfromotherpositions.Thesepositionsmayseemofgreatermoment,butinrealitytheirimportanceisnottobecomparedwiththatoftheseminaries,whichiscapitalandindispensable.Seekalsofromelsewhere,whereveryoucanfindthem,menreallyfittedforthisnobletask.Letthembesuchasteachpriestlyvirtues,ratherbyexamplethanbywords,menwhoarecapableofimparting,togetherwithlearning,asolid,manlyandapostolicspirit.Makepiety,purity,disciplineandstudyflourishintheseminary.Withprudentforesight,armandfortifytheimmaturemindsofstudentsbothagainstthetemptationsofthepresent,andagainstthefarmoreseriousperilsofthefuture.Fortheywillbeexposedtoallthetemptationsoftheworld,inthemidstofwhichtheymustlive,“thattheysaveall.”67.Nowitisofgreatimportance,asWehavesaid,thatpriestsshouldhavealearningadequatetotherequirementsoftheage.Fortheattainmentofthis,inadditiontoasolidclassicaleducation,thereisrequiredbothinstructionandtraininginscholasticphilosophy“accordingtothemethod,andthemindandtheprinciplesofSt.ThomasAquinas”—adAngeliclDoctorisrationem,doctrinametprincipia.ThisOurIllustriousPredecessor,LeoXIII,hascalledthephilosophiaperennis.Itisessentialtothefuturepriest.Itwillhelphimtoathoroughunderstandingofdogma.Itwilleffectivelyforearmhimagainstmodernerrorsofwhateversort.Itwillsharpenhismindtodistinguishtruthfromfalsehood.Itwillformhimtohabitsofintellectualclearness,sonecessaryinanystudiesorproblemsofthefuture.Itwillgivehimagreatsuperiorityoverothers,whosemereerudition,perhaps,iswiderbutwholackphilosophicaltraining.68.Therearesomeregions,wherethediocesesaresmall,orstudentsunhappilyfew,orwherethereisashortageofmeansandsuitablemen.Henceitisimpossibleforeverydiocesetohaveitsownseminary,equippedaccordingtoalltheregulationsofCanonLawandotherprescriptionsoftheChurch.Wherethishappens,itismostproperthattheBishopsofthedistrictshouldhelponeanotherinbrotherlycharity,shouldconcentrateandunitetheirforcesinacommonseminary,fullyworthyofitshighpurpose.Thegreatadvantagesofsuchconcentrationamplyrepaythesacrificesentailedinobtainingit.Itisindeedasacrifice,grievoustothefatherlyheartofaBishop,toseehisclerics,evenforatime,takenawayfromtheirshepherd,whowisheshimselftogivehisfutureco-workershisownapostolicspirit;andtoseethemtakenawayfromthediocesewhichistobethefieldoftheirministry.Butthesesacrificeswillallberepaidwithinterestwhentheseclericsreturnaspriests.Theywillbebetterformed,andmorerichlyendowedwithspiritualwealth,whichtheywillspendwithgreatergenerosityandwithgreaterprofittotheirdiocese.Therefore,Wehaveneverletpassanopportunitytofavor,andencourageandfostersuchefforts.Often,infact,Wehavesuggestedandrecommendedthem.OnOurpart,also,whereverWethoughtitnecessary,WehaveOurselves,asiswellknown,erected

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orimprovedorenlargedseveralsuchregionalseminaries,notwithoutheavyexpenseandtrouble;andWewillcontinueinthefuture,bythehelpofGod,toapplyOurselveswithallzealtothiswork;forWeholdittobethemostconducivetothegoodoftheChurch.69.ThisachievementintheerectionandmanagementofSeminariesfortheeducationoffuturepriestsdeservesallpraise.Butitwouldbeoflittleavail,werethereanylackofcareintheselectingandapprovingofcandidates.Inthisselectionandapproval,allwhoareinchargeoftheclergyshouldhavesomepart:superiors,spiritualdirectorsandconfessors,eachinthemannerandwithinthelimitspropertohisoffice.Theymustindeedfosterandstrengthenvocationswithsedulouscare;butwithnolesszealtheymustdiscourageunsuitablecandidates,andingoodtimesendthemawayfromapathnotmeantforthem.Suchareallyouthswhoshowalackofnecessaryfitness,andwhoare,therefore,unlikelytopersevereinthepriestlyministrybothworthilyandbecomingly.Inthesemattershesitationanddelayisaseriousmistakeandmaydoseriousharm.Itisfarbettertodismissanunfitstudentintheearlystages;butif,foranyreason,suchdismissalhasbeendelayed,themistakeshouldbecorrectedassoonasitisknown.Thereshouldbenohumanconsiderationorfalsemercy.Suchfalsemercywouldbearealcruelty,notonlytowardstheChurch,towhomwouldbegivenanunfittedorunworthyminister,butalsotowardstheyouthhimself;for,thusembarkeduponafalsecourse,hewouldfindhimselfexposedtotheriskofbecomingastumblingblocktohimselfandtootherswithperilofeternalruin.70.TheHeadoftheseminarylovinglyfollowstheyouthsentrustedtohiscareandstudiestheinclinationsofeach.Hiswatchfulandexperiencedeyewillperceive,withoutdifficulty,whetheroneorotherhave,orhavenot,atruepriestlyvocation.This,asyouwellknow,VenerableBrethren,isnotestablishedsomuchbysomeinnerfeelingordevoutattraction,whichmaysometimesbeabsentorhardlyperceptible;butratherbyarightintentionintheaspiranttogetherwithacombinationofphysical,intellectualandmoralqualitieswhichmakehimfittedforsuchastateoflife.HemustlooktothepriesthoodsolelyfromthenoblemotiveofconsecratinghimselftotheserviceofGodandthesalvationofsouls;hemustlikewisehave,oratleaststriveearnestlytoacquire,solidpiety,perfectpurityoflifeandsufficientknowledgesuchasWehaveexplainedonapreviouspage.ThusheshowsthatheiscalledbyGodtothepriestlystate.Whoever,ontheotherhand,urgedon,perhaps,byill-advisedparents,lookstothisstateasameanstotemporalandearthlygainswhichheimaginesanddesiresinthepriesthood,ashappenedmoreofteninthepast;whoeverisintractable,unrulyorundisciplined,hassmalltasteforpiety,isnotindustrious,andshowslittlezealforsouls;whoeverhasaspecialtendencytosensuality,andafterlongtrialhasnotprovedhecanconquerit;whoeverhasnoaptitudeforstudyandwhowillbeunabletofollowtheprescribedcourseswithduesatisfaction;allsuchcasesshowthattheyarenotintendedforthepriesthood.Bylettingthemgoonalmosttothethresholdofthesanctuary,superiorsonlymakeitevermoredifficultforthemtodrawback;and,perhaps,evencausethemtoacceptordinationthroughhumanrespect,withoutvocationandwithoutthepriestlyspirit.

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71.LetSuperiorsofseminaries,togetherwiththespiritualdirectorsandconfessors,reflecthowweightyaresponsibilitytheyassumebeforeGod,beforetheChurch,andbeforetheyouthsthemselves,iftheydonottakeallmeansattheirdisposaltoavoidafalsestep.Wedeclaretoo,thatconfessorsandspiritualdirectorscouldalsoberesponsibleforsuchagraveerror;andnotindeedbecausetheycantakeanyoutwardaction,sincethatisseverelyforbiddenthembytheirmostdelicateofficeitself,andoftenalsobytheinviolablesacramentalseal;butbecausetheycanhaveagreatinfluenceonthesoulsoftheindividualstudents,andwithpaternalfirmnesstheyshouldguideeachaccordingtohisspiritualneeds.Shouldthesuperiors,forwhateverreason,nottakestepsorshowthemselvesweak,thenespeciallyshouldconfessorsandspiritualdirectorsadmonishtheunsuitedandunworthy,withoutanyregardtohumanconsideration,oftheirobligationtoretirewhileyetthereistime;inthistheyshouldkeeptothemostsecureopinion,whichinthiscaseistheonemostinfavorofthepenitent,foritsaveshimfromastepwhichcouldbeforhimeternallyfatal.Ifsomethimestheyshouldnotseesoclearlythatanobligationistobeimposed,letthem,atleast,usealltheauthoritywhichspringsfromtheirofficeandthepaternalaffectiontheyhavefortheirspiritualsons,andsoinducethosewhohavenotthenecessaryfitnesstoretireoftheirownfreewill.LetconfessorsrememberthewordsofSt.AlphonsusLiguorionasimilarmatter:“Ingeneral...insuchcasesthemoreseveritytheconfessoruseswithhispenitents,themorewillhehelpthemtowardstheirsalvation;andonthecontrary,themorecruelwillhebethemoreheisbenign.”St.ThomasofVillanovacalledsuchover-kindconfessors:Impiepios—“wickedlykind”;“suchcharityiscontrarytocharity.”72.Thechiefresponsibility,however,restswiththeBishop,whoaccordingtotheseverelawoftheChurch“shouldnotconferholyordersonanyone,unlessfrompositivesignsheismorallycertainofcanonicalfitness;otherwisehenotonlysinsgrievously,butalsoplaceshimselfindangerofsharinginthesinsofothers.”ThiscanonisaclearechoofthewarningoftheApostletoTimothy:“Imposenothandslightlyonanyman,neitherbepartakerofothermen’ssins.”“Toimposehandslightly,”OurPredecessorSt.LeotheGreatexpounds,“istoconferthesacerdotaldignityonpersonsnotsufficientlyapproved:beforematurityinage,beforemeritofobedience,beforeatimeoftesting,beforetrailofknowledge;andtobeapartakerofothermen’ssinsisfortheordainertobecomeasunworthyastheunworthymanwhomheordains”;forasSt.JohnChrysostomsays,“Youwhohaveconferredthedignityuponhimmusttaketheresponsibilityofbothhispastandhisfuturesins.”73.Theseareseverewords,VenerableBrethren,yetstillmoredreadfulistheresponsibilitywhichtheydeclare,aresponsibilitywhichjustifiedthegreatBishopofMilan,St.CharlesBorromeoinsaying:“Inthismatter,myslightestneglectcaninvolvemeinverygreatsin.”ListentothewarningofChrysostomwhomWehavejustquoted:“Imposenothandsafterthefirsttrialnorafterthesecond,noryetthethird;butonlyafterfrequentandcarefulobservationandsearchingexamination”;awarningwhichappliesinanespecialwaytothequestionoftheuprightnessoflifeincandidatestothepriesthood:“Itisnotenough,”saystheholyBishopandDoctorSt.AlphonsusdeLiguori,“thattheBishopknownothingevilof

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theordinand,buthemusthavepositiveevidenceofhisuprightness.”Hence,donotfeartoseemharshif,invirtueofyourrightsandfulfillingyourduty,yourequiresuchpositiveproofsofworthinessbeforeordination;orifyoudeferanordinationincaseofdoubt;because,asSt.GregorytheGreateloquentlyteaches:placetheweightofthebuildinguponthematonce.Delaymanydays,untiltheyaredriedandmadefitforthepurpose;becauseifthisprecautionbeomitted,verysoontheywillbreakundertheweight”;or,tousetheshortbutclearexpressionoftheAngelicDoctor:“Holinessmustcomebeforeholyorders...hencetheburdenofordersshouldbeplacedonlyonwallsseasonedwithsanctity,freedofthedampofsins.”74.Inshort,letallcanonicprescriptionsbecarefullyobeyed,andleteveryoneputintopracticethewiserulesonthissubject,whichWecausedtobepromulgatedafewyearsagobytheSacredCongregationoftheSacraments.ThuswilltheChurchbesavedmuchgrief,andthefaithfulmuchscandal.75.WehavealsohadsimilarregulationssenttoReligious;andwhileWeurgeuponallconcernedtheirfaithfulobservance,Wenowrecallthemtotheattentionofallheadsofreligiousinstitutes,whohaveyouthsdestinedforthepriesthood.TheyshouldconsiderasaddressedalsotothemwhatWehaverecommendedaboveconcerningtheformationoftheclergy;sinceitistheywhopresenttheirstudentsforordination,andtheBishopusuallyreliesupontheirjudgment.76.Bishopsandreligioussuperiorsshouldnotbedeterredfromthisneedfulseveritybyfearofdiminishingthenumberofpriestsforthedioceseorinstitute.TheAngelicDoctorSt.Thomaslongagoproposedthisdifficulty,andanswersitwithhisusuallucidityandwisdom:“GodneverabandonsHisChurch;andsothenumberofpriestswillbealwayssufficientfortheneedsofthefaithful,providedtheworthyareadvancedandtheunworthysentaway.”ThesameDoctorandSaint,basinghimselfupontheseverewordsquotedbythefourthEcumenicalCounciloftheLateran,observestoOurpurpose:“Shoulditeverbecomeimpossibletomaintainthepresentnumber,itisbettertohaveafewgoodprieststhanamultitudeofbadones.”ItwasinthissensethatWeOurselves,onthesolemnoccasionoftheinternationalpilgrimageofseminaristsduringtheyearofOurpriestlyjubilee,addressinganimposinggroupofItalianArchbishopsandBishops,reaffirmedthatonewelltrainedpriestisworthmorethanmanytrainedbadlyorscarcelyatall.ForsuchwouldbenotmerelyunreliablebutalikelysourceofsorrowtotheChurch.Whataterrifyingaccount,VenerableBrethren,WeshallhavetogivetothePrinceofShepherds,totheSupremeBishopofsouls,ifwehavehandedoverthesesoulstoincompetentguidesandincapableleaders.77.Yetalthoughitremainsunquestionablytruethatmerenumbersshouldnotbethechiefconcernofthoseengagedintheeducationoftheclergy,yetatthesametime,allshoulddotheirutmosttoincreasetheranksofstrongandzealousworkersinthevineyardoftheLord;themoreso,asthemoralneedsofsocietyaregrowinggreaterinsteadofless.Ofallthemeanstothisnobleend,theeasiestandthemosteffectiveisprayer.Thisis,moreover,a

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meanswithinthepowerofeveryone.Itshouldbeassiduouslyusedbyall,asitwasenjoinedbyJesusChristHimself:“Theharvest,indeed,isgreatbutthelaborersarefew.Prayye,therefore,theLordoftheharvest,thatHesendforthlaborersintoHisharvest.”WhatprayercouldbemoreacceptabletotheSacredHeartofourSavior?Whatprayerismorelikelytobeansweredaspromptlyandbounteouslyasthis,whichmeetssonearlytheburningdesireofthatDivineHeart?”“Asktherefore,anditwillbegivenuntoyou”;askforgoodandholypriestsandOurLordwillnotrefusetosendthemtoHisChurch,aseverHehasdonethroughoutthecenturies.Ithasbeen,infact,preciselyintimeswhichseemedleastpropitious,thatthenumberofpriestlyvocationsincreased.ThisisclearfromCatholichagiographyofthenineteenthcenturyacenturyrichinsplendidnamesontherollsbothofsecularandregularclergy.OnehasonlytothinkofthosethreesplendidsaintswhomWeOurselveshadtheconsolationofcanonizing—St.JohnMaryVianney,St.JosephBenedictCottolengoandSt.JohnBosco,menoftrulyloftyholiness,eachinhisspecialway.78.NowGodHimselfliberallysowsinthegenerousheartsofmanyyoungmenthispreciousseedofvocation;buthumanmeansofcultivatingthisseedmustnotbeneglected.ThereareinnumerablewaysandcountlessholymeanssuggestedbytheHolySpirit;andallsuchsalutaryworkswhichstrivetopreserve,promoteandhelppriestlyvocations,WepraiseandblesswithallOurheart.“Nomatterhowweseek,”saysthelovableSaintofcharity,VincentdePaul,“weshallalwaysdiscoverourselvesunabletocontributetoanythingmoregreatthantothemakingofgoodpriests.”IntruthnothingismoreacceptabletoGod,ofmorehonortothechurch,andmoreprofitabletosoulsthanthepreciousgiftofaholypriest.IfhewhooffersevenacupofwatertooneoftheleastofthedisciplesofChrist“shallnotlosehisreward,”whatrewardwillhereceivewhoplaces,sotospeak,intothepurehandsofayoungpriestthesacredchalice,inwhichiscontainedtheBloodofRedemption;whohelpshimtoliftituptoheaven,apledgeofpeaceandofblessingformankind?79.AndhereOurthoughtsturngladlytothatCatholicAction,somuchdesiredandpromotedanddefendedbyUs.ForbyCatholicActionthelaityshareinthehierarchicalapostolateoftheChurch,andhenceitcannotneglectthisvitalproblemofpriestlyvocations.ComforthasfilledOurhearttoseetheassociatesofCatholicActioneverywheredistinguishingthemselvesinallfieldsofChristianactivity,butespeciallyinthis.Certainlytherichestrewardofsuchactivityisthatreallywonderfulnumberofpriestlyandreligiousvocationswhichcontinuetoflourishintheirorganizationsfortheyoung.Thisshowsthattheseorganizationsarebothafruitfulgroundofvirtue,andalsoawell-guardedandwellcultivatednursery,wherethemostbeautifulanddelicateflowersmaydevelopwithoutdanger.MayallmembersofCatholicActionfeelthehonorwhichthusfallsontheirassociation.Letthembepersuadedthat,innobetterwaythanbythisworkforanincreaseintheranksofthesecularandregularclergy,cantheCatholiclaityreallyparticipateinthehighdignityofthe“kinglypriesthood”whichthePrinceoftheApostlesattributestothewholebodyoftheredeemed.80.Butthefirstandmostnaturalplacewheretheflowersofthesanctuaryshouldalmostspontaneouslygrowandbloom,remainsalwaysthetrulyanddeeplyChristianfamily.Most

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ofthesaintlybishopsandpriestswhose“praisetheChurchdeclares,”owethebeginningoftheirvocationandtheirholinesstoexampleandteachingofafatherstronginfaithandmanlyvirtues,ofapureanddevotedmother,andofafamilyinwhichtheloveofGodandneighbor,joinedwithsimplicityoflife,hasreignedsupreme.TothisordinaryruleofdivineProvidenceexceptionsarerareandonlyservetoprovetherule.81.Inanidealhometheparents,likeTobiasandSara,begofGodanumerousposterity“inwhichThynamemaybeblessedforever,”andreceiveitasagiftfromheavenandaprecioustrust;theystrivetoinstillintotheirchildrenfromtheirearlyyearsaholyfearofGod,andtrueChristianpiety;theyfosteratenderdevotiontoJesus,theBlessedSacramentandtheImmaculateVirgin;theyteachrespectandvenerationforholyplacesandpersons.Insuchahomethechildrenseeintheirparentsamodelofanupright,industriousandpiouslife;theyseetheirparentsholilylovingeachotherinOurLord,seethemapproachtheHolySacramentsfrequentlyandnotonlyobeythelawsoftheChurchconcerningabstinenceandfasting,butalsoobservethespiritofvoluntaryChristianmortification;theyseethemprayathome,gatheringaroundthemallthefamily,thatcommonprayermayrisemoreacceptablytoheaven;theyfindthemcompassionatetowardsthedistressofothersandseethemdividewiththepoorthemuchorthelittletheypossess.82.Insuchahomeitisscarcelypossiblethat,whileallseektocopytheirparents,example,noneofthesonsshouldlistentoandaccepttheinvitationoftheDivineMaster:“ComeyeafterMe,andIwillmakeyoutobefishersofmen.”BlessedarethoseChristianparentswhoareabletoacceptwithoutfearthevocationsoftheirsons,andseeinthemasignalhonorfortheirfamilyandamarkofthespecialloveandprovidenceofOurLord.Stillmoreblessed,if,aswasoftenthecaseinagesofgreaterfaith,theymakesuchdivinevisitationstheobjectoftheirearnestprayer.83.Yetitmustbeconfessedwithsadnessthatonlytoooftenparentsseemtobeunabletoresignthemselvestothepriestlyorreligiousvocationsoftheirchildren.Suchparentshavenoscrupleinopposingthedivinecallwithobjectionsofallkinds;theyevenhaverecoursetomeanswhichcanimperilnotonlythevocationtoamoreperfectstate,butalsotheveryconscienceandtheeternalsalvationofthosesoulstheyoughttoholdsodear.ThishappensalltooofteninthecaseevenofparentswhogloryinbeingsincerelyChristianandCatholic,especiallyinthehigherandmoreculturedclasses.Thisisadeplorableabuse,likethatunfortunatelyprevalentincenturiespast,offorcingchildrenintotheecclesiasticalcareerwithoutthefitnessofavocation.Ithardlydoeshonortothosehigherclassesofsociety,whichareonthewholesoscantilyrepresentedintheranksoftheclergy.Thelackofvocationsinfamiliesofthemiddleandupperclassesmaybepartlyexplainedbythedissipationsofmodernlife,theseductions,whichespeciallyinthelargercities,prematurelyawakenthepassionsofyouth;theschoolsinmanyplaceswhichscarcelyconducetothedevelopmentofvocations.Nevertheless,itmustbeadmittedthatsuchascarcityrevealsadeplorablefallingoffoffaithinthefamiliesthemselves.Didtheyindeedlookatthingsinthelightoffaith,whatgreaterdignitycouldChristianparentsdesirefortheirsons,whatministrymorenoble,thanthatwhich,asWehavesaid,isworthyofthevenerationofmen

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andangels?Alongandsadexperiencehasshownthatavocationbetrayed—thewordisnottobethoughttoostrong—isasourceoftearsnotonlyforthesonsbutalsofortheill-advisedparents;andGodgrantthatsuchtearsbenotsolongdelayedastobecomeeternaltears.84.Andnow,finally,toyou,dearChildren.PriestsoftheMostHigh,bothsecularandregular,theworldover,WeaddressOurwords.Youare“Ourgloryandjoy,”you,whowithsuchgenerositybearthe“burdenofthedayandtheheats,”you,whosopowerfullyhelpUsandOurBrethrenoftheEpiscopateinfulfillingthedutyoffeedingtheflockofChrist.ToyouWesendOurPaternalthanksandOurwarmestencouragement.Weknowandfullyappreciateyouradmirablezeal;andtoit,intheneedsofthepresent,Wemakethisheartfeltappeal.Theseneedsarebecomingdailygraver.Allthemoremustyourredeemingworkgrowandintensify;for“youarethesaltoftheearth,andthelightoftheworld.”85.If,however,yourworkistobeblessedbyGodandproduceabundantfruit,itmustberootedinholinessoflife.Sanctity,asWesaidabove,isthechiefandmostimportantendowmentoftheCatholicpriest.Withoutitothergiftswillnotgofar;withit,evensupposingothergiftsbemeager,thepriestcanworkmarvels.WehavetheexampleofSt.JosephofCupertino,andintimesnearertoourownofthathumbleCured’Ars,St.JohnMaryVianney,ofwhomWehavealreadyspoken;whomWehavewilledtosetupbeforeallparishpriestsastheirmodelandheavenlyPatron.ThereforewiththeApostleoftheGentiles,Wesaytoyou:“Beholdyourvocation”;andbeholdingit,youcannotfailtovalueevermorehighlythegracegiventoyouinordinationandtostriveto“walkworthilyofthevocationinwhichyouarecalled.”86.InthisstrivingyouwillbemostwonderfullyhelpedbyapracticecommendedbyOurPredecessorofholymemoryPiusX.Thiscommendationiscontainedinthat“ExhortationtotheCatholicClergy,”whichhewrotewithsuchunctionandaffection.ThisWewarmlyrecommendyoutoread.Init,amongallthemeanstopreserveandincreasethegraceofthepriesthood,heplacedfirsttheuseoftheSpiritualExercises.ThismeansWeOurselveshavealsofrequentlyrecommended;andparticularlyinOurEncyclicalLetterMensNostra,WehavepaternallyandsolemnlyurgedituponallOursons,butmoreespeciallyuponOurPriests.AstheyearofOurpriestlyJubileedrewtoaclose,Wecouldfindnobetterandmoresalutaryreminderofthathappyanniversary,thantogivetoOursonsaninvitation,throughtheabove-mentionedletter,todrawmorecopiouslyfromthewatersoflifespringingupintolifeeverlasting,thisinexhaustiblefountainprovidentiallyopenedbyGodtoHisChurch.Againnow,toyou,OurDearBrethren,whoarealltheclosertousbecauseyouworkmoredirectlywithUstoestablishthekingdomofChristuponearth,WebelieveWecannotgivebetterproofofOurFatherlyaffectionthanbyexhortingyoumostferventlytomakeuseofthismeansofsanctification,tothebestofyourabilities.TakeforyourguidethoseprinciplesandnormslaiddownbyUsintheabove-mentionedEncyclical.ItisnotenoughtowithdrawtothesacredseclusionoftheSpiritualExercisesonlyattheintervalsandintheexactmeasureprescribedbyecclesiasticallawbutyoushouldenterintoretreatmoreoftenandforlongerperiods,asfaraspossibletoyou,andyoushouldconsecrate,in

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addition,adayofeachmonthtomoreferventprayerandgreaterrecollection,accordingtothepracticeofpriestsofgreatzeal.87.InsuchretreatsandrecollectionevenonewhomayhaveenteredinsortemDomini,notbythestraightwayofatruevocation,butforearthlyorlessnoblemotives,willbeableto“stirupthegraceofGod.”Forhe,too,isnowindissolublyboundtoGodandtheChurch,andsonothingremainsforhimbuttofollowtheadviceofSt.Bernard:“Ifsanctityoflifedidnotprecede,letitatleastfollow...forthefuturemakegoodyourwaysandambitionsandmakeholyyourministry.”ThegraceofGod,andspecificallythatgracepropertothesacramentofHolyOrders,willnotfailtolendaid,ifhesincerelywishestocorrectwhateverwasoriginallyamissinhispurposeorconduct.Howeveritmayhavecomeaboutthatheundertooktheobligationsofthepriesthood,theabidinggraceofthisdivinesacramentwillnotbewantinginpowertoenablehimtofulfillthem.88.Eachandallofyou,then,fromtherecollectionandprayerofaretreatwillcomeoutfortifiedagainstthesnaresoftheworld,quickenedbylivelyzealforthesalvationofsouls,andenkindledwiththeloveofGod,asbefitspriestsintimeslikethepresent.Fortogetherwithsomuchcorruptionanddiabolicalmalice,thereiseverywherefeltapowerfulreligiousandspiritualawakening,abreathoftheHolySpirit,sentforthovertheworldtosanctifyit,andtorenewwithitscreativeforcethefaceoftheearth.FilledwiththeHolyGhostyouwillcommunicatethisloveofGodlikeaholyfiretoallwhoapproachyou,becominginatruesensebearersofChristinadisorderedsociety,whichcanhopeforsalvationfromJesusChristalone,sinceHe,andHealone,isever“thetrueSavioroftheworld.”89.Beforeconcluding,weturnOurthoughtsandOurwords,withveryspecialtendernesstoyouwhoarestillinyourstudiesforthepriesthood;andurgeyoufromthedepthofOurhearttoprepareyourselveswithallseriousnessforthegreattasktowhichGodcallsyou.YouarethehopeoftheChurchandofthepeople,wholookforsomuch,orrathereverything,toyou.Fortoyoutheylookforthatlivingandlife-givingknowledgeofGodandofJesusChrist,inwhichiseternallife.Inpiety,purity,humility,obedience,disciplineandstudystrivethentomakeyourselvespriestsaftertheHeartofGod.Weassureyouthatinthetaskoffittingyourselvesforthepriesthoodbysolidvirtueandlearning,nocare,nodiligence,noenergycanbetoogreat;becauseuponitsolargelydependallyourfutureapostoliclabors.Seetoitthatonthedayofyourordinationtothepriesthood,theChurchfindyouinfactsuchasshewishesyoutobe,thatis“replenishedwithheavenlywisdom,irreproachableinlifeandestablishedinthewaysofgrace,”sothat“thesweetodorofyourlifemaybeadelighttotheChurchofChrist,thatbothbywordandgoodexampleyoumaybuildthehouse,thatis,thefamilyofGod.”90.OnlythuscanyoucontinuetheglorioustraditionsoftheCatholicpriesthoodandhastenthatmostauspicioushourwhenitwillbegiventoallhumanitytoenjoythefruitsofthepeaceofChristinthekingdomofChrist.

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91.AndbeforeconcludingOurletter,toyou,VenerableBrethrenintheEpiscopate,andthroughyoutoallOurbelovedsonsofbothclergy,WearehappytoaddasolemnproofofOurgratitudefortheholycooperationbywhich,underyourguidanceandexample,thisHolyYearofRedemptionhasbeenmadesofruitfultosouls.WewishtoperpetuatethememoryandthegloryofthatPriesthood,ofwhichOursandyours,VenerableBrethren,andthatofallpriestsofChrist,isbutaparticipationandcontinuation.Wehavethoughtitopportune,afterconsultingtheSacredCongregationofRites,toprepareaspecialvotiveMass,forThursdays,accordingtoliturgicalrules:DesummoetaeternoIesuChristiSacerdotio,tohonor“JesusChrist,SupremeandEternalPriest.”ItisOurpleasureandconsolationtopublishthisMasstogetherwiththis,OurEncyclicalLetter.92.ThereonlyremainsforUs,VenerableBrethren,toimparttoalltheApostolicandpaternalBenediction,whichallexpectanddesirefromtheircommonFather.MayitbeablessingofthanksgivingforallthebenefitspouredoutbyDivineProvidenceintheseextraordinaryHolyYearsoftheRedemption;mayitbeablessingofgoodauguryforthenewyearwhichisabouttobegin.

GivenatRome,atSt.Peter’s,thetwentiethdayofDecember,1935,inthefifty-sixthanniversaryofOurpriesthood,thefourteenthofOurPontificate.