Called by Name: The Inspiring Stories of 12 Men Who Became Catholic Priests

by Christine Anne Mugridge, Jerry Usher

Catholic priests communicate the glory of heaven through the ministry of the Word and the sacraments, especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the source and summit of our Faith. By fulfilling this mission, these men truly become an alter Christus another Christ.
In this intriguing look at the awesome call to the priesthood, you will experience firsthand the joys, the struggles, and the extraordinary grace needed, and given by, these men we call Father.
In Called by Name you will
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., a poor kid from Jersey City who would grow up to become the face of contemporary religious life.
John Cardinal Foley, a priest from Philadelphia who would become the president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communication.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., who as a child was struck by stories of Jesuit missionaries, and answered the call to priesthood despite his father s initial opposition.
Fr. Frank A. Pavone, M.E.V., whose pondering of mathematical concepts led him to an awe-inspiring trip through the Scriptures that continues to this day.

Genres: Catholic

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2008

Reviews

[Fr. Daniel Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any book that explains a priest's perspective on how he decided to become a priest is usually enlightening and edifying. I found a great deal of inspiration at the stories of each of these men, whether they felt called from a young age or later in life. It underscores just how different each man is who is called by God to this special life.

However, there were quite a few things that bothered me about this particular effort. The twelve men in question are all priests, yes, but they are also all well-known, highly regarded, and have a very high prestige. In this way, I thought that the book became less about the priesthood and more about their particular paths and passions in life. Much of the actual meat of the priesthood seemed left on the fringes while their stories about their various pursuits and how they ended up where they were took the spotlight. For me, I didn't enjoy it as much as a result. I thought the book would be about the priesthood and it seemed to be twelve mini-biographies instead.

I also thought that the tone was too polemic in a few cases, in particular against abortion. I realize that the author of that particular story has strong views, but it didn't seem to fit with the purpose of the book, unless, of course, I misunderstood the purpose of the book. If the target audience was the average man thinking about priesthood, I think that it was wanting. There was little material of a deeply spiritual nature.

It also seemed, perhaps just to me, that the stories are somewhat dated. Many of these men grew up in another generation, one far removed from that of today. Stories about altar serving at daily Mass and high school seminaries seem pretty irrelevant to most young people today. It seemed to make the priesthood seem more distant and less close from my perspective.

I would not dissuade someone from reading this book with its interesting anecdotes and perspectives. But I would recommend that if someone is truly pursuing the priesthood themselves and is looking for more information, you might want to seek it elsewhere.

[Florence Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I grabbed this book from the shelf wanting to know the discernment process of those called to the priesthood, and how do they live that vocation after professing their vows.

The book gave twelve perspectives, and it's interesting to note that God does call men from different backgrounds, from communist Russia to the cradle Catholic India. So too, are the way they are called, varying from inherently knowing of the call since childhood (a rarity) to years of discernment. Though, common themes can be drawn from the stories--that the calling, when it comes, is very personal to the individual; that everyone who whole-heartedly says yes, finds joy in it and would be a priest again if given another life; that the priesthood is a gift and an adventure, it will take you to places you never thought you'd be and God will provide if only you trust in His Providence.

My greatest takeaway from reading these inspiring mini-memoirs, is that the vocation of priesthood is something bigger than the priest himself, something greater than what you or me feel, something more important than the judgment of others. It's... part of a Grand Plan. And it would do well for those considering the religious life to support them in any way we could.