PRIMARY AND PRINCIPAL ROLE OF PRIESTS
- May 19
- 1 min read
The Church teaches that priests receive the triple Munera when ordained. This Latin word means both gift and service. They are called to govern, preach and celebrate.
Governing means forming the Body of Christ. Of great importance, too, is:
The preaching of the Gospel, which is the primary role of priests, and celebrating the mysteries of faith, which is the principal role of priests (Vatican Council II, Order of Priests, 5).
Romans 10 sheds light on the matter:
How are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?
Pope Leo XIV spoke recently about creating a vocational culture:
We must have the courage to make strong and liberating proposals to young people and to ensure that there are forms of youth ministry centred on the Gospel, for this is where the call to total gift of self emerges and matures.
It is necessary to keep a vocational perspective in every pastoral setting, particularly in those involving young people and families.
This seems eminently sensible and doable. We begin anew.
AMEN.
