"If a young priest takes hold of St. Augustine and, in the space of two decades, reads all of his major writings and studies secondary works that explain his doctrine and, then, consequently, if all his sermons retreats, catechesis, and articles . . ."
". . . are based on the teaching of the bishop of Hippo, the young priest will not be confused. Such a priest will deal not only with current themes raised by the vociferous media. He will respond not only to those questions, usually simple ones, that people raise."
"He himself will address his own questions to the great tradition of the Church. Immersed in it and in its light, he will understand better how to lead himself and how to direct others better. If such a study is accompanied by true prayer, the priest will not go astray . . ."
". . . and he will have food not only for his own faith, but also for the faith of those who have been committed to him." -Fr. Wojciech Giertych, OP
Of course, St. Augustine is a placeholder here for any theological or spiritual master. Fr. Giertych's point is that every priest should take a master to guide his study and prayer--over years, even decades. Augustine remains an ideal choice, but there are other possibilities.
The goal is that the priest, from the earliest days of his ministry, set himself on a lifelong trajectory of deepening his faith through study and prayer--an effort that will inform the whole of his priestly life and ministry.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.