L’ IDENTITÀ MISTERICA E CARISMATICA DEL PRESBITERO

Abstract

Theological-mysterical Identity of the Priest. The study contributes to the deepening of the theological-mysterical identity of the priest in order to revive his spirituality, intimate ardor, ministeriality and supporting the process of permanent formation and personal conformity to the style of the Good Shepherd. The article is largely based on Holy Scripture and the living source of the Greek and Latin ecclesiastical tradition, placing itself in permanent reference to the pontifical magisterium. Endowed with a prodigious “charisma” (cf. 2 Tim 1, 6), the priest takes shape as a man chosen by merciful Love within the “mystery, communion and mission” Church, with a special calling, that of being like Christ, Head, Shepherd and Bridegroom of the Church through the sacrament of priesthood (“ipse Christus”) and thus to act in His Person and in His name for the salvation of the world (“Personam Christi gerens”). Participating through the Holy Spirit in the absolute Priesthood of Christ, he therefore becomes His redemptive extension in time and space and the living sacramental sign in analogy with the Eucharistic mystery (“alter Christus”).