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Preface

At a time of history when in certain parts of the globe numerically priests in active service are dwindling and of their once priestly occupations are taken up by qualified laity, when married life itself is questioned and alternative choices are made with the support of relative moral and ethical positions and when celibacy itself is considered outdated and outmoded it may be said that it would be naïve to write another book on catholic priests; it may seem an anomaly.

Not only, the quest for money and power seem to be the dominant note played in some countries by some priests of God in embarking on the “career” of priesthood where priesthood becomes a profession like any other lucrative avocation; the bloated up figures, through various means of social communication, of scandals of religious and priests dissuade or discourage anyone to tread the noble path traced out by the Master of the vineyard; the mediocre and apathetic life led by some, after having “put the hand to the plough” do not paint a rosy picture of the life of the priests.

Unfortunately the tree that falls to the ground in the forest makes more noise than the silent imperceptible growth of so many trees in the same forest. Persevering priests are rather reluctant to speak of the peak moments or joy or challenges that they face. The happiness that they derive from well celebrated liturgical functions, the consolation they experience in the administration of the sacraments especially that of reconciliation, the genuine satisfaction they enjoy in guiding the people of God – children, youth, adults and the elderly - in the path of virtue; in encouraging youth to risk everything for the sake of Christ in following Him in religious or priestly vocation; in the realization that they are confidants of many and that they are the safe keepers of the secrets of many in the well vaulted chambers of their hearts. Finally the impregnable supports they receive from those who serve are the some of the highlights of a priest’s life!

It is about this sign of contradiction that these few pages deal with “Reflections on Catholic Priesthood”. These pages are meant for priests in active ministry and for seminarians who are on the road to that gratuitous goal. What is inside these covers can be used for meditations and for spiritual reading. Perhaps the best way to make use of them is to read a page and reflect on the contents and assimilate it to translate it into action. Hence they are better described as prayerful meditations.

The grace of God which, is never wanting through the all pervading presence of the Spirit of God and the cooperating will of the reader, will make him understand the incomprehensible mystery of love and predilection the good Lord has for his priests and would-be priests. With this intention only these few pages have been written. Hopefully some priests and seminarians will profit by these pages.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Rev. Fr. Anthony Mampra sdb, for going through these pages and for suggesting some minor modifications.

I am very much indebted to Rev. Fr. Joseph Kuttianimattathil, the Salesian provincial of Bangalore, who suggested embarking on this idea of reflections on priesthood.