On the Priesthood

On the Priesthood is a collection of essays by Blessed Alvaro del Portillo that offers a profound exploration of the Catholic priesthood, especially rooted in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Drawing on his unique role as secretary of the commission that drafted Presbyterorum Ordinis, Blessed Alvaro examines the decree and explains the priest’s identity, consecration, mission, spirituality, and pastoral service with theological depth and practical clarity. He shows how the ministerial priesthood is united to Christ’s priesthood and ordered to the evangelization and sanctification of the world. More than a commentary on Presbyterorum Ordinis, Blessed Alvaro’s book is an enduring spiritual guide, showing how a priest’s identity flows from his consecration and is lived out in generous service to Christ and to the members of his Body, the Church. This Spiritual Guide: Explores the theology and spirituality of the priesthood It Is Written For: Priests, seminarians, deacons, theology students, and lay Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of the Church’s teaching This Book Addresses: Priestly formation, celibacy, pastoral ministry, holiness, and the relationship between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful