The Charism of Priestly Celibacy

With contributions from Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M., Archbishop Allen Vigneron, and Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, The Charism of Priestly Celibacy: Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Reflections, a timely collection of reflections on priestly celibacy, explores its biblical, historical, and theological roots and affirms what current studies of priests reflect—that despite its challenges, celibacy has been a grace for priests personally.

The value of celibacy is often questioned, yet recent surveys of priests demonstrate that more than 75 percent of them feel personally called to celibacy and find it a source of grace in their lives. This rich collection of reflections was presented as a symposium at the University of Notre Dame in 2012 and offers both priests and lay Catholics a deeper, theologically based appreciation of celibacy as a charism or gift of the Holy Spirit. With contributions from leading authorities in scripture, Church history, theology, pastoral leadership, and psychology, this collection offers what one contributor describes as a “reversal of mindset,” a reframing of the issue for today.