The theological identity of the priestly ministry. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the priestly ministry is ordered to the service of the common priesthood of the faithful and everyone, though in a qualitatively different way, shares in the one priesthood of Christ…
The present cultural context. The priest is called to understand it in order to sow within it seeds of the Gospel, so that the message of Jesus may engage in a convincing and comprehensible conversation that brings hope and meaning…
Existential and affective aspects, and celibacy. An intense spiritual life, founded on pastoral charity, nourished by personal experience of God and in communion with brothers, together with the fostering of fraternal relationships with bishops, with other priests of the diocese and with the laity… Celibacy requires us to take up our affectivity and sexuality in a mature way, living it with serenity and joy in a communitarian journey.
Aparecida Conference (2007)
Final Document
nn. 192-196