Concern for the Identity of the Priest in Light of Benedict XVI’s Teaching
Łukasz Plata
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9634-0012
Abstract
In the article, the author reflects on the issue of priestly identity, being experienced in a mature way, in light of the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI. Based on an analysis of the Pope’s selected statements addressed to the clergy, three fundamental, internal dimensions of priestly identity have been identified: spiritual, psychological, and intellectual. They should find expression in the priest’s external ministry as a shepherd and minister of the sacraments, a witness to the world, as well as a teacher and evangelizer. The juxtaposition of these two dimensions—internal and external—illustrates their mutual complementarity, which determines the need for their integral development. The article demonstrates the formative potential of Benedict XVI’s teaching for the renewal of priestly life in the contemporary Church.
Keywords:
priestly identity, concern for formation, Benedict XVI, priest, clergyReferences
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The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Ks. Łukasz Plata, kapłan diecezji tarnowskiej, rekolekcjonista, dr nauk teologicznych w zakresie teologii moralnej. Absolwent Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II, Wydziału Teologicznego, Sekcji w Tarnowie (2011), gdzie uzyskał licencjat z teologii (2016). W 2019 roku uzyskał stopień doktora nauk teologicznych w zakresie teologii moralnej na Katolickim Uniwersytecie Lubelskim Jana Pawła II. Absolwent podyplomowych studiów „Szkoła Formatorów” przy Ignatianum w Krakowie. Od 2016 r. członek Stowarzyszenia Teologów Moralistów. Od 2022 r. adiunkt w Katedrze Teologii Moralnej Fundamentalnej i Ekumenicznej KUL. Pomysłodawca i koordynator projektu www.EwangeliBus.pl. Główne kierunki badań: formacja kandydatów do kapłaństwa, dojrzałość uczuciowa, problematyka cudu, Nowa Ewangelizacja, Katolicka Odnowa Charyzmatyczna.
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