Priestly Fatherhood

This little book could be ingested quite quickly because of its brevity and simplicity, but it is best savored, read line by line and bit by bit. Each thought penned by Fr. Philippe is saturated with his own spiritual wisdom, and that of the saints of the Church, but also is collected from the inspired words of scripture, and those of Christ. Again and again the priest, and all who love and pray for priests, are pointed to Jesus as the example to imitate, but in a way that encourages and invites - much as Jesus did with His own apostles - rather than intimidating or discouraging. Perhaps one of his final thoughts stick with me after everything else: the priest as protector of Christ’s peace: in His own heart, in the heart of all he serves, and in the heart of the Church. Isn’t that the job of any Father? Isn’t that the gift that the Father wants to give all of us?

A truly spledid meditation on fatherhood. While nominally aimed at priests, the priesthood-specific content is not especially extensive. Rather, most of the content would be of great benefit to all fathers.

Great work! Typical Philippe in the sense that he is both remarkably brief, clear and deep. He constantly challenges the reader to shift his or her perspectives so that they are more conformed to the will of God.

I need this book for something I'm writing about Catholic Priests, and the quick turnaround was much better that I had hoped.EJ