Cardinal Parolin on the priesthood: “intense moments of joy"

( Vatican Radio) In two addresses in Rome this week Cardinal Parolin reflected on the vocation, formation and mission of the Catholic priest. The first address took place at the Capitoline Museum on the occasion of the presentation of a book by Vincenzo Carbone on Mgr Pericle Felici, Secretary General of Vatican Council II. The book relies on the diary of Mgr Felici and reveals a view of Vatican II from the inside, as well as a deep priestly spirituality. Mgr Felici records his desire to live in humility, always subject to the will of God and working with utmost commitment. In his diary he says, “For the voice of your Vicar you have assigned me to work; I will work as best I can.”

The second address took place at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in the course of a conference convened for the purpose of examining two great documents of the second Vatican Council on the priesthood: Optatam Totius and Presbyterorum Ordinis. These “pearls” of priestly formation rely upon the image of priest as shepherd. Despite challenges for the Church in the fifty years since the Council, Cardinal Parolin notes that we have also experienced “intense moments of communion and joy.” In both challenges and joys we should commit all of our energies to support vocations and the renewal of priestly identity.

Priestly formation can be compared to the care of a “rough diamond” the Cardinal continued. In some ways, this cannot be taught; it must be lived in intimacy with the Master. Priests are not chosen on the basis of personal merit or ability, nor are the fruits of their ministry proportional to their pastoral methods. They are partakers in Christ’s mission. They walk in the Master’s footsteps. The Cardinal concludes: it is a vocation because it is the choice of God; it is a formation because it is about transformation; it is a mission because it is about evangelization in every form.