|
1. The excellence of the order of priests in the Church has already
been recalled to the minds of all by this sacred synod.[1] Since,
however, in the renewal of Christ's Church tasks of the greatest
importance and of ever increasing difficulty are being given to this
order, it was deemed most useful to treat of the subject of priests at
greater length and with more depth. What is said here applies to all
priests, especially those devoted to the care of souls, with suitable
adaptations being made for priests who are religious. Priests by
sacred ordination and mission which they receive from the bishops are
promoted to the service of Christ the Teacher, Priest and King.
They share in his ministry, a ministry whereby the Church here on
earth is unceasingly built up into the People of God, the Body of
Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in order
that their ministry be carried on more effectively and their lives be
better provided for, in pastoral and human circumstances which very
often change so profoundly, this sacred synod declares and decrees as
follows.
|
|