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The Priest is Not His Own
Originally released in May of 1963 to a world-wide audience, this classic work of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been re-published for many to enjoy once again for years to come.
The Priest is Not His Own
The Priest Is Not His Own is far more than a book for priests or for those considering the priesthood as a vocation. In these penetrating, deeply pondered discussions of the priesthood, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has produced a work of lasting value, a book that will perhaps change many hundreds of lives, and certainly a book that will also interest readers who have no direct concern with the priesthood as a calling.
Inspiration for this volume came while Archbishop Sheen was writing his famed Life of Christ, and it was out of those "dark days," as he describes them, that the thoughts of priesthood, illumined by the vision of Christ the Savior, were first formulated.
Just as the earlier work was based on the thesis that Christ offered no other sacrifice but Himself, so in this new book, Archbishop Sheen envisages the priest as a man sacrificing himself in the prolongation of Christ's Incarnation.
Archbishop Sheen writes of how all priests whether pagan or in the Old Testament offered victims distinct from themselves, such as lambs. But in Christ and the Christian conception, priest and victim are united inseparably.
Drawing on his profound knowledge of Scripture, Archbishop Sheen is able to describe the exact and true significance of the individual priest, and in vibrant detail, his constant, unending sacrifice — as victim.
He writes, "God still thunders to his I have set watchmen, Jerusalem, upon thy walls, that shall never cease crying aloud, day or night; you that keep the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, nor let Him rest either…. (Isaiah 62:6,7)
"Watchmen are we," adds Archbishop Sheen, "who have been put on the walls of the Church by the High Priest. . . What we are, the Church is, and what the Church is, the world is. . .. Night and day, giving God no rest, we will utter over and over I dedicate myself for their sakes, that they too may be dedicated through the truth." (John 17:19)
In considering the priest's many obligations and roles, and his ever more gratifying fulfilment of them, Archbishop Sheen has created a series of unsurpassed meditations and presents a very concrete guide to the many ways in which each priest can enrich his own spiritual life, as well as the lives of all those around him.
Archbishop Sheen brings the life of the Priesthood of Christ in terms of sacrifice, suffering, and vindication. The depth of his teaching of what a priest "is," and not what a priest "does," is crystal clear. Sheen's ability to speak of deep subjects directly, yet with poetic beauty, is mesmerizing.
Since God is calling all men to live lives of service to others, the need to build up an army of future priests is essential. With the help of these unsurpassed meditations as a guide, young men, husbands, and fathers will be better equipped to take on the roles and duties of either the sacramental priesthood within the church, or as in many cases, the domestic priesthood found in service to the family and in the home.
The Priest Is Not His Own is the work of a great and beloved inspirational leader — a world-famous priest himself writing eloquently and insistently to his colleagues and to those who would join him in a calling he understands and has most brilliantly realized.
The Priest is Not His Own
The Priest Is Not His Own is far more than a book for priests or for those considering the priesthood as a vocation. In these penetrating, deeply pondered discussions of the priesthood, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has produced a work of lasting value, a book that will perhaps change many hundreds of lives, and certainly a book that will also interest readers who have no direct concern with the priesthood as a calling.
Inspiration for this volume came while Archbishop Sheen was writing his famed Life of Christ, and it was out of those "dark days," as he describes them, that the thoughts of priesthood, illumined by the vision of Christ the Savior, were first formulated.
Just as the earlier work was based on the thesis that Christ offered no other sacrifice but Himself, so in this new book, Archbishop Sheen envisages the priest as a man sacrificing himself in the prolongation of Christ's Incarnation.
Archbishop Sheen writes of how all priests whether pagan or in the Old Testament offered victims distinct from themselves, such as lambs. But in Christ and the Christian conception, priest and victim are united inseparably.
Drawing on his profound knowledge of Scripture, Archbishop Sheen is able to describe the exact and true significance of the individual priest, and in vibrant detail, his constant, unending sacrifice — as victim.
He writes, "God still thunders to his I have set watchmen, Jerusalem, upon thy walls, that shall never cease crying aloud, day or night; you that keep the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, nor let Him rest either…. (Isaiah 62:6,7)
"Watchmen are we," adds Archbishop Sheen, "who have been put on the walls of the Church by the High Priest. . . What we are, the Church is, and what the Church is, the world is. . .. Night and day, giving God no rest, we will utter over and over I dedicate myself for their sakes, that they too may be dedicated through the truth." (John 17:19)
In considering the priest's many obligations and roles, and his ever more gratifying fulfilment of them, Archbishop Sheen has created a series of unsurpassed meditations and presents a very concrete guide to the many ways in which each priest can enrich his own spiritual life, as well as the lives of all those around him.
Archbishop Sheen brings the life of the Priesthood of Christ in terms of sacrifice, suffering, and vindication. The depth of his teaching of what a priest "is," and not what a priest "does," is crystal clear. Sheen's ability to speak of deep subjects directly, yet with poetic beauty, is mesmerizing.
Since God is calling all men to live lives of service to others, the need to build up an army of future priests is essential. With the help of these unsurpassed meditations as a guide, young men, husbands, and fathers will be better equipped to take on the roles and duties of either the sacramental priesthood within the church, or as in many cases, the domestic priesthood found in service to the family and in the home.
The Priest Is Not His Own is the work of a great and beloved inspirational leader — a world-famous priest himself writing eloquently and insistently to his colleagues and to those who would join him in a calling he understands and has most brilliantly realized.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1963
130 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Fulton J. Sheen
507 books736 followersFulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists.
The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 26, 2018
Priest as an "alter Christus" is not his own. To whom he belongs? This is an interesting question anyone can ask. This is the third book I read which was written by "the beloved Archbishop Sheen." The first two books are The World's First Love: Mary, Mother of God and Those Mysterious Priests. Those two books taught me so many ideas about the Blessed Virgin Mary and Priesthood. The way of writing by Fulton Sheen is really attractive it made us think seriously about the matter. This present book The Priest Is Not His Own also had the same experience for me.
These days as I am preparing for my priesthood, this book came as heaven's blessing. The idea of Christ as Priest-Victim is really a thoughtful way of presentation. Let me quote a little bit from the book for you "Unlike anyone else, Our Lord came on earth, not to live, but to die. Death for our redemption was the goal of His sojourn here, the gold that he was seeking. He was, therefore, not primarily a teacher, but a Savior. Was not Christ the Priest a Victim? He never offered anything except Himself. So we have mutilated concept of the priesthood if we envisage it apart from making ourselves victims in the prolongation of His incarnation."
The way he wrote the book is really impressive. The quoting from the Bible made sense when it attributed in the real-life situations. A priest is always in need of Holy Spirit who has anointed him and set apart him on the day of his ordination. Priest as Simon and Peter is an interesting topic when he compared with the weakness of Simon and the strength of Peter. In a Priest, these two elements are always present. The Judas who left the priesthood on the day of ordination itself made a great theme for us. Instead of overcoming the weakness he became an addict to the power of the devil. At last evil spirits took him in their way. The crack in his priesthood is really good for us in the present scenario when many priests are suffering cracks in their priesthood. At last importance of the Holy Hour in the lives of priests. This is a repeated request from all the spiritual writers. Every priest must spend an hour with the Lord. Archbishop shows the model how to make the Holy HOur, he set a chapter for that. Finally he finished his book by saying, "No Priest is his own. He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim."
Worthwhile of reading for any Catholics...
These days as I am preparing for my priesthood, this book came as heaven's blessing. The idea of Christ as Priest-Victim is really a thoughtful way of presentation. Let me quote a little bit from the book for you "Unlike anyone else, Our Lord came on earth, not to live, but to die. Death for our redemption was the goal of His sojourn here, the gold that he was seeking. He was, therefore, not primarily a teacher, but a Savior. Was not Christ the Priest a Victim? He never offered anything except Himself. So we have mutilated concept of the priesthood if we envisage it apart from making ourselves victims in the prolongation of His incarnation."
The way he wrote the book is really impressive. The quoting from the Bible made sense when it attributed in the real-life situations. A priest is always in need of Holy Spirit who has anointed him and set apart him on the day of his ordination. Priest as Simon and Peter is an interesting topic when he compared with the weakness of Simon and the strength of Peter. In a Priest, these two elements are always present. The Judas who left the priesthood on the day of ordination itself made a great theme for us. Instead of overcoming the weakness he became an addict to the power of the devil. At last evil spirits took him in their way. The crack in his priesthood is really good for us in the present scenario when many priests are suffering cracks in their priesthood. At last importance of the Holy Hour in the lives of priests. This is a repeated request from all the spiritual writers. Every priest must spend an hour with the Lord. Archbishop shows the model how to make the Holy HOur, he set a chapter for that. Finally he finished his book by saying, "No Priest is his own. He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim."
Worthwhile of reading for any Catholics...
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August 26, 2024“Every priest has two mothers: one in the flesh, the other in the spirit. Much more is known about the former; much more has been written about the latter…Our earthly mother willed in general to conceive, but when it would be realized was unforeseen and unpredictable. Not so the priest's surrender at ordination. His surrender is like Mary's. She willed her Son and she conceived. So the priest willed to be God's, and he can identify the day and the hour.
The more he serves that surrender, the more he knows that only the Christ-fettered are free…Neither can the priest live without love. If there is to be a generation of souls, and if he is to be a "father" begetting others in Christ, there must be love. That love is the same as Mary's; the Fire and Passion of the Holy Spirit overshadowing him…Through Mary's example and influence, there comes a moment in the priest's life when he realizes he does not belong to his family, his parish, his diocese, his country. He belongs to the missions and to the world; he belongs to humanity. The closer the priest gets to the mission of Christ, the more he loves every soul in the world…Devotion to Mary keeps the priest from being the hireling, a hired servant with fixed hours, assigned duties, parish limits, and no lost sheep. There is no "on duty" for a priest. He is "on love" everywhere—on the golf course, in the airplane, in a restaurant, in a hospital…Twice, the great High Priest had been a Victim, on entering the world, and on leaving it. Mary was at both altars, at Bethlehem and at Calvary. Mary was at the priest's altar on the day of ordination, too, and now she is with him at the hour of his death…Every priest at death wants to be laid in Mary's arms as was the Christ, Whose representative he is. As Mary said after the Crucifixion over her Son Who was laid in her arms: "This is my Body," so she will say at the death of every priest: "This is my body, my victim, my host.” Is it any wonder, then, that she is the Woman in every priest's lite. No priest is his own. He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim.”
The more he serves that surrender, the more he knows that only the Christ-fettered are free…Neither can the priest live without love. If there is to be a generation of souls, and if he is to be a "father" begetting others in Christ, there must be love. That love is the same as Mary's; the Fire and Passion of the Holy Spirit overshadowing him…Through Mary's example and influence, there comes a moment in the priest's life when he realizes he does not belong to his family, his parish, his diocese, his country. He belongs to the missions and to the world; he belongs to humanity. The closer the priest gets to the mission of Christ, the more he loves every soul in the world…Devotion to Mary keeps the priest from being the hireling, a hired servant with fixed hours, assigned duties, parish limits, and no lost sheep. There is no "on duty" for a priest. He is "on love" everywhere—on the golf course, in the airplane, in a restaurant, in a hospital…Twice, the great High Priest had been a Victim, on entering the world, and on leaving it. Mary was at both altars, at Bethlehem and at Calvary. Mary was at the priest's altar on the day of ordination, too, and now she is with him at the hour of his death…Every priest at death wants to be laid in Mary's arms as was the Christ, Whose representative he is. As Mary said after the Crucifixion over her Son Who was laid in her arms: "This is my Body," so she will say at the death of every priest: "This is my body, my victim, my host.” Is it any wonder, then, that she is the Woman in every priest's lite. No priest is his own. He belongs to the Mother of Jesus, once and always the Priest-Victim.”
February 15, 2022
One of the most inspiring and challenging books I’ve read in the last year. Although it is explicitly written for ministerial priests and seminarians, there is much here that is applicable to the life of any Christian as he strives to live out his Baptismal priesthood. A lot of the major themes can be found in my added quotes.
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April 24, 2018Started it in November, just finished it.
August 18, 2022
Um dos melhores livros de espiritualidade sacerdotal
April 22, 2024
He has an incredible devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. I don't remember much else.
October 30, 2025
fine, guess i’ll become a priest!
July 5, 2025
Priest-as-victim framing is pretty interesting. a lot of classic Catholic catechism formulations and endless scripture citations.
I did like that he couldn't help but talk about how priests should dress well. 90% of Bishop Sheen's appeal came from always Having That Shit On
I did like that he couldn't help but talk about how priests should dress well. 90% of Bishop Sheen's appeal came from always Having That Shit On
July 29, 2025
This is the best book on the priesthood I have ever read.
August 18, 2015
What a fantastic book, abounding in rich theological reflections, the fruit of many Holy Hours, I am sure! Ven. Fulton Sheen never disappoints. The Priest is Not His Own is for the priest what Three to Get Married is for married couples: an edifying, inspiring encouragement and an invaluable tool to deepen and enrich understanding of the respective vocations.
All of the chapters are worth reading, but if one must pick and choose, Chapters 10, 15, and 17 ("The Priest as Simon and Peter," "How to Make the Holy Hour," and "The Priest and His Mother") are not to be skipped!
Much of what Ven. Fulton Sheen writes about the priest is applicable to all faithful Catholic Christians, really. As a Catholic teacher and wife and - God-willing, one day soon, mother - this book was very useful and instructive.
All of the chapters are worth reading, but if one must pick and choose, Chapters 10, 15, and 17 ("The Priest as Simon and Peter," "How to Make the Holy Hour," and "The Priest and His Mother") are not to be skipped!
Much of what Ven. Fulton Sheen writes about the priest is applicable to all faithful Catholic Christians, really. As a Catholic teacher and wife and - God-willing, one day soon, mother - this book was very useful and instructive.
May 26, 2020
This book is an excellent guide book for everyone in the seminary. This book is an excellent reminder for all priests as they have given themselves to God and are no longer their own. This book is an excellent way for all people to read to understand what a priest is to become when he offers himself as sacrifice to the Lord and for the Lord's followers.
There are so many things in this book that will benefit every Catholic and every Christian. The chapter on Adoration is superb and should be a given for each priest and a goal for each member of the laity. Including me.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is a saint and he writes like one. Read this book.
There are so many things in this book that will benefit every Catholic and every Christian. The chapter on Adoration is superb and should be a given for each priest and a goal for each member of the laity. Including me.
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is a saint and he writes like one. Read this book.
April 24, 2012
Archbishop Fulton Sheen brings the life of the Priesthood of Christ into terms of sacrifice, suffering, and vindication. This book is amazing in that while it speaks primarily to the ministerial Priesthood, the lessons learned can be translated easily to the priesthood of the faithful through Baptism. The depth of this teaching of what a priest "is," and not what a priest "does," is amazing. Sheen's ability to speak of deep subjects directly, yet with poetic beauty, is mesmerizing. This is a must read for any Priest.
Taken from OurLadyandSheen.wordpress.com
Taken from OurLadyandSheen.wordpress.com
October 27, 2021
The priest (like any Christian, but in a very special way) is called to love like Jesus Christ - to love sacrificially - the book expands on this thesis statement, and draws on Old & New Testament visions of the priesthood, to help us to better appreciate the role and call (and vocation) of the Catholic priest. Blessed be God in all his priests, and blessed be the great Mother of all priests, Mary most Holy.
January 22, 2021
Bishop Sheen gives an excellent overview of priestly spirituality. This is a must-read for priests and anyone considering the priesthood. I would say there is even plenty of content that a layperson will find useful for their own spiritual edification (although the book is definitely written for priests).
June 11, 2023
Me tardé con este libro, sí me ha dado una perspectiva distinta del sacerdocio, me ha ayudado en mi discernimiento.
Sí es 100% un libro para seminaristas/sacerdotes pero puede aportar a cualquier cristiano. Creo que es un libro para leer con pausas y rezar, no de todo corrido. Por lo menos yo no pude.
Sí es 100% un libro para seminaristas/sacerdotes pero puede aportar a cualquier cristiano. Creo que es un libro para leer con pausas y rezar, no de todo corrido. Por lo menos yo no pude.
March 9, 2017
I found it slightly odd to read this book as I was not the intended audience; Archbishop Fulton Sheen was writing to his brother priests. Because of that, I would like to either speak with one or more priests who've read it or listen in on the conversation as two or more priests discuss it.
November 21, 2025
great explanation of the priesthood
Words from an inspiring priest who hopefully will one day become a saint. All about the priest’s mystical role and the how Mary forms every victim priest.
Words from an inspiring priest who hopefully will one day become a saint. All about the priest’s mystical role and the how Mary forms every victim priest.
September 28, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this spiritual read and especially the main message...
A priest is a victim.
An absolutely fabulous read, one that challenges and motivates.
I will re-read this book in time.
A priest is a victim.
An absolutely fabulous read, one that challenges and motivates.
I will re-read this book in time.
October 31, 2017
The priesthood isn’t a career the priesthood is an abandonment to the love of Christ, Fulton Sheen really sees the priesthood as a way of being that is born from have meeting Jesus!
July 14, 2019
This is an amazing book for any priest or discerning. My desire to become a priest is even greater now. I will read more from Bishop Sheen and hope that one day he is to be a saint!
January 2, 2023
One of the best books I've read
March 10, 2023
One of the best books you will read about the priesthood.
June 13, 2023
Sheen doesn’t waste a single word in this incredible book that sets out to effectively set the standard of what a priest should be.
July 28, 2023
I ended up giving this away to someone I thought would appreciate it more than I can. For me, it was a difficult read.
December 21, 2024
A little harder to follow, but good stuff to say
November 29, 2022
Before I start, theres a lot of stigma around Catholics. Understandably so, too, but I just want to make clear that my faith is rooted in love for others and love for God. Period. I don't believe in hate, judgement of others, or discrimination of people as a lot of Western Christianity seems to come off as. I don't care if someone doesn't even like Catholics, I'm gonna do my best to love them. My faith is about love alone.
This past year I have gotten much deeper in my faith. It has been incredibly hard, though, from death to problems within my family. One person has stood out during these tough times, though. Father Friend, as mentioned in my last review, is a teacher where I went to high school. He's a young, cool, and funny priest who doesn't match nearly any of the stereotypes of a priest. He's an Eagle Scout and even accompanied my Boy Scout troop to Philmont this last summer. He has helped me through all of these tough times, and when he informed me about a church retreat that was happening in my city, something deep down told me I needed to go.
I accompanied my youth group to this event and ended up having a blast. I met up with Fr Friend near the end and he introduced me to a lot of his priest friends. One of these guys was Fr. Jeff. Apparently Fr Friend had been talking to Fr Jeff about me, and it just so happened that he was the new formation director of the local Seminary. He told me about this book and said I should keep my heart open for God's calling. Basically saying, "I think you should look into the priesthood."
I got through a couple pages before getting bored, but when I went on my Philmont trip, something told me to bring it. Philmont is a 12 day hiking trip in New Mexico. No internet, no phones, no nothin'. On the first day of traveling I started reading this book, and I don't know if it was because I was with Father Friend or if the time was just right, but I could NOT put it down. I left the book back in Little Rock and don't have it with me here in Philly, so I can't really quote it, but man, I highlighted the crap out of it. On every page something stood out to me. A priest being an "Alter Christus," the Sacraments coming from the power of God, the importance of a Holy Hour. This thing is jam PACKED with interesting stuff.
Before knowing Father Friend, the stereotype of a priest is some old dude who is boring and just prays all day by himself, but after reading this book and meeting more young priests, I realized they are FILLED with joy. I don't think I'm going to be a priest, part of me thinks I was called to read this book to try to discover the potential I may have, and the person I should strive to be. While the priesthood may not be for me, this book opened my eyes to see the leaders of my church in a different way. It's an absolutely outstanding book, and if you're questioning being a priest or just want to learn more about priests, give this book a read.
This past year I have gotten much deeper in my faith. It has been incredibly hard, though, from death to problems within my family. One person has stood out during these tough times, though. Father Friend, as mentioned in my last review, is a teacher where I went to high school. He's a young, cool, and funny priest who doesn't match nearly any of the stereotypes of a priest. He's an Eagle Scout and even accompanied my Boy Scout troop to Philmont this last summer. He has helped me through all of these tough times, and when he informed me about a church retreat that was happening in my city, something deep down told me I needed to go.
I accompanied my youth group to this event and ended up having a blast. I met up with Fr Friend near the end and he introduced me to a lot of his priest friends. One of these guys was Fr. Jeff. Apparently Fr Friend had been talking to Fr Jeff about me, and it just so happened that he was the new formation director of the local Seminary. He told me about this book and said I should keep my heart open for God's calling. Basically saying, "I think you should look into the priesthood."
I got through a couple pages before getting bored, but when I went on my Philmont trip, something told me to bring it. Philmont is a 12 day hiking trip in New Mexico. No internet, no phones, no nothin'. On the first day of traveling I started reading this book, and I don't know if it was because I was with Father Friend or if the time was just right, but I could NOT put it down. I left the book back in Little Rock and don't have it with me here in Philly, so I can't really quote it, but man, I highlighted the crap out of it. On every page something stood out to me. A priest being an "Alter Christus," the Sacraments coming from the power of God, the importance of a Holy Hour. This thing is jam PACKED with interesting stuff.
Before knowing Father Friend, the stereotype of a priest is some old dude who is boring and just prays all day by himself, but after reading this book and meeting more young priests, I realized they are FILLED with joy. I don't think I'm going to be a priest, part of me thinks I was called to read this book to try to discover the potential I may have, and the person I should strive to be. While the priesthood may not be for me, this book opened my eyes to see the leaders of my church in a different way. It's an absolutely outstanding book, and if you're questioning being a priest or just want to learn more about priests, give this book a read.
August 21, 2014
Fulton Sheen's way of looking at the priesthood changed my perspective of what my role will be in four years (God willing that I am ordained). His language often feels outdated, but his heart transcends the ages. Priesthood is more than just being a representative of the people of God, and he clearly explains through Scriptural anecdotes how a priest must orient his life. One of his motifs is the sacrifice that a priest makes - one which is not often highlighted these days due to concerns about marketing for vocations. But it is an essential part, for Jesus was not only priest but he was also victim for us.
I received great practical and spiritual advice from this book. It inspired me to look at my prayer life and look at my mentality about the priesthood in a new way. Archbishop Sheen does not focus on the administrative frustrations or the pastoral difficulties, but the heart of the priest. He indicates that if the priest's heart is focused on the correct things, he will have a successful priesthood.
This book is an excellent read for anyone who is a priest or who has been discerning the priesthood for some time. Perhaps it would be good for others, but as I was reading it I cannot tell objectively how effective it would be for someone not in formation. I'm sure it would be interesting if not useful.
I will be keeping this book on my shelf and going back to it anytime I feel distant from God, for it does not seek to comfort through words of comfort, but by pushing me forward toward God by seeking him anew.
I received great practical and spiritual advice from this book. It inspired me to look at my prayer life and look at my mentality about the priesthood in a new way. Archbishop Sheen does not focus on the administrative frustrations or the pastoral difficulties, but the heart of the priest. He indicates that if the priest's heart is focused on the correct things, he will have a successful priesthood.
This book is an excellent read for anyone who is a priest or who has been discerning the priesthood for some time. Perhaps it would be good for others, but as I was reading it I cannot tell objectively how effective it would be for someone not in formation. I'm sure it would be interesting if not useful.
I will be keeping this book on my shelf and going back to it anytime I feel distant from God, for it does not seek to comfort through words of comfort, but by pushing me forward toward God by seeking him anew.
May 27, 2015
I feel like this is a book I'll appreciate more in seminary and will like more when I come back to. I also feel like my problem with this book is I was so tired when I read it that I missed a lot of the important parts.
With that being said, it's still great. Fulton Sheen is a modern saint and I pray fervently for his canonization. His works are more deeply spiritual (as silly as it sounds) compared to popular spiritual and religious books of the day. I love Fulton Sheen. More than that, it's practically. It seems like a guidebook to how to be a good and holy priest.
With that being said, sometimes you need to really know Latin to get the message and often he rambles to the point of getting lost and missing the point. That's the weak spots, although I might just be too tired to understand it.
This book makes me excited about entering seminary and excited for my possible vocation.
Thank God for Bishop Sheen.
With that being said, it's still great. Fulton Sheen is a modern saint and I pray fervently for his canonization. His works are more deeply spiritual (as silly as it sounds) compared to popular spiritual and religious books of the day. I love Fulton Sheen. More than that, it's practically. It seems like a guidebook to how to be a good and holy priest.
With that being said, sometimes you need to really know Latin to get the message and often he rambles to the point of getting lost and missing the point. That's the weak spots, although I might just be too tired to understand it.
This book makes me excited about entering seminary and excited for my possible vocation.
Thank God for Bishop Sheen.
May 17, 2013
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen is as spellbinding in print as he is in his broadcasts. This future Saint absolutely loved being a priest, you can tell from how brilliantly he wrote about it.
This book is not a 'read-once' kind of book. It's rich depth makes it an ideal, in fact, mandatory meditation material. Anyone who is struggling with the possibility of being called to the priesthood would do well to read this book prayerfully and carefully.
Those who have a longing to serve Christ, his Church and his fellow man will find much inspiration in this book. It may be even as though Fulton Sheen was quoting lines hidden in the depths of their own heart.
If they haven't already, Seminaries around the world should prescribe this as mandatory reading.
An absolute must read.
This book is not a 'read-once' kind of book. It's rich depth makes it an ideal, in fact, mandatory meditation material. Anyone who is struggling with the possibility of being called to the priesthood would do well to read this book prayerfully and carefully.
Those who have a longing to serve Christ, his Church and his fellow man will find much inspiration in this book. It may be even as though Fulton Sheen was quoting lines hidden in the depths of their own heart.
If they haven't already, Seminaries around the world should prescribe this as mandatory reading.
An absolute must read.
October 28, 2015
This book has some very good chapters and some less than interesting chapters. My best recommendation would be to look at the table of contents and select the ones you're interested in. As Sheen makes clear in the introduction, it's 100 different ways of saying the same thing: Jesus came to be a victim as well as a priest, and his priests are called to do likewise. Especially good were the chapters on Simon-Peter, Judas' fall from grace, and the Holy Hour.
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