Father Charles P. Connor is a noted theologian, Church historian, and author of such works
as Classic Catholic Converts and Defenders of the Faith (both by Ignatius Press).
His popular lectures, from which these present meditations have been drawn, were first aired
by the the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).
Reviews
Who you are: Theologian Fr. Charles P. Connor offers priests who will welcome a professional and personal
boost with Meditations on the Catholic Priesthood. Understanding the Church's traditional teaching -- that a priest
when ordained becomes another Christ -- allows those in the ministry to find their reason for being and the strength to get
themselves through meditation that cover topics that are paramount in spiritual and secular life, starting with the basic
question: What is the Priesthood? Followed are meditations on: The Priesthood of Jesus; Priesthood in the Mind of
St. Paul and Developed in the Early Church; The Eucharist and the Priesthood; Suffering and Prayer, Essential Ingredients
of the Priesthood; The Gift of Priestly Celibacy; Priesthood in the Third Millennium; The Priestly Theology of Pope John
Paul II; and The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Priesthood. Encouraging and challenging, the meditations will narrow
the focus on the cross and the future, while making the most of the present. --Crux of the News,
November 21, 2005
"I recommend Father Connor's book wholeheartedly and with joy. It is my sincere hope that
all priests will be encouraged, that suffering priests will be refreshed, and that young men
aspiring to the priesthood will advance with greater commitment to the priesthood as a result
of this excellent work." --Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist.
E.D., Bishop of Scranton
Supporting alter Christus: the book Meditations on the Catholic Priesthood by theologian Fr. Charles P.
Connor offers fresh insight into his view of the true essence of priesthood. Written with some thought-provoking ideas,
the book begins with an historical survey of the priesthood, including the Church's traditional teachings, the words of St.
Paul, and the nature of the calling during the Reformation. It is in the next few parts that Connor hits a most important
theme: the relationship between the Eucharist and the priest. Following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II, the author
leads readers through a deep discussion about priests' lives and callings that can lead to a better understanding of missions
not just as administrators or facilitators, but as alter Christus, with all the joys and difficulties that come with
it. He discusses suffering, celibacy, the priestly theology of Pope John Paul II, and the connections of Mary and the
priesthood. --Crux of the News, May 23, 2005
In this book, Father Connor wants priests to see that being another Christ, an alter Christus, is the true
essence of priesthood. Although this concept is not new, it is the author's intention to reveal this teaching in fresh terms.
Father Connor is a noted theologian, author and popular lecturer. Father Connor's book will assist priests to gain a
deeper understanding of their identity with Christ. He begins with a chapter on priesthood (particularly as seen in the Old
Testament) and then writes about the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The book goes on with several chapters viewing priesthood
from an historical perspective, beginning with St. Paul and the early Church. It continues with chapters dealing with the
Eucharist and priesthood, celibacy, preaching, and a particularly valuable section on priesthood in the third millennium.
Connor has studied the writings of Pope John Paul II for these insights. The book is written from a traditional,
conservative point of view often quoting ecclesiastical documents and the writings of such authors as Walter Farrell,
Garrigou-Lagrange, Ronald Knox, Dom Marmion, and Hubert von Zeller.... The work fits into the recent approach to many topics
called resoucement and is recommended not just for priests but anyone interested in that ministerial vocation. It might do
a lot of people some good by countering all the negative publicity we have recently experienced about priesthood.
--Arnold Rzepecki in Catholic Library World
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