The Joy of Being a Priest: Following the Curé of Ars

by Christoph Schönborn, Michael J. Miller (Translator)

This insightful book on the priesthood is based on a series of six talks that Cardinal Schoenborn addressed to an international group of priests in Ars, the village where the famed St. John Vianney served as pastor. Vianney, known as the Cure of Ars, is the patron of the Year For Priests announced by Pope Benedict XVI. In these talks, the Cardinal summarized the vocation, challenge, and joy of the priesthood, drawing on the life of the Cure of Ars, the writings of St. Therese of Liseux, St. Faustina Kowalska, and many other saints and holy people. Gathered together in this short but profound volume, these insights by the highly respected theologian and spiritual writer Cardinal Schoenborn will inspire the priest as well as the layman, giving sage counsel to all who are striving for perfection in their vocation. The Cardinal speaks on the vocation to the priesthood; the importance of mercy, prayer, and spiritual combat; the Eucharist; preaching and the mission of the priest; and the importance of Our Lady to priests.

Genres: Spirituality, Catholic

124 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

About the author

Christoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert Graf von Schönborn, O.P.
is a Bohemian-born Austrian Dominican friar and theologian, who is a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He serves as the Archbishop of Vienna and President of the Austrian Bishops' Conference. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 1998. He is also the chaplain of the Order of the Golden Fleece (Austrian branch), of which he has been a member since 1961. He is a member of the formerly sovereign princely House of Schönborn, several members of which held high offices of the Holy Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

Reviews

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a must read not just for priests but also for all those who love priests :)
The compilation offers quick content around the patron of priests with Ars as the setting. So even if you've never been to Ars, you can imagine speaking of the humble great saint in the parish he revived through his unparalleled dedication and fervor. Normally it's tough to swallow books about saints unless the author themselves have something in the way of deep spirituality, I find.

I'm willing to guess from that standpoint that the author prepared his conferences and book through much prayer and meditation. It seems there was much intentionality not just in the life of the Cure of Ars but also in threading into the Cure's life relevant topics from other beloved saints, such as Sts. Therese, Faustina (and maybe even St. Jose Maria Escriva?!?).

Beautifully written and can serve for both spiritual reading and guided meditation. If anyone wonders how a layperson can deepen the baptismal role of priest within the trio of priest, king and prophet, then this is the book for you. Enjoy!