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Des profondeurs de nos coeurs
Les débats qui agitent l’Église depuis plusieurs mois ont convaincu Benoît XVI et le cardinal Robert Sarah qu’ils devaient s’exprimer.
Depuis sa renonciation, en février 2013, la parole du Pape émérite est rare. Il cultive le silence, protégé par les murs du monastère Mater Ecclesiae, dans les jardins du Vatican.
Exceptionnellement, en compagnie du cardinal Sarah, son grand ami, il a décidé d’écrire sur le sujet le plus difficile pour l’Église : l’avenir des prêtres, la juste définition du sacerdoce catholique et le respect du célibat.
À quatre-vingt-douze ans, Benoît XVI signe un de ses plus grands textes. D’une densité intellectuelle, culturelle et théologique rare, celui-ci remonte aux sources du problème : « Au fondement de la situation grave dans laquelle se trouve aujourd’hui le sacerdoce, écrit-il, on trouve un défaut méthodologique dans la réception de l’Écriture comme Parole de Dieu. »
À son analyse implacable répond le texte du cardinal Robert Sarah. Il apporte son éclairage singulier avec la force, la radicalité et la sagesse qui lui sont propres. Nous y retrouvons le courage de la réflexion de l’un des plus importants prélats de l’Église.
Les deux auteurs se répondent, se complètent et se stimulent. Ils livrent une démonstration parfaite, sans crainte d’ouvrir le débat.
Benoît XVI et le cardinal Robert Sarah ont répondu à l’élan de leurs cœurs. Ce livre fera date. À bien des égards, il est unique. Et, certainement, historique.
Depuis sa renonciation, en février 2013, la parole du Pape émérite est rare. Il cultive le silence, protégé par les murs du monastère Mater Ecclesiae, dans les jardins du Vatican.
Exceptionnellement, en compagnie du cardinal Sarah, son grand ami, il a décidé d’écrire sur le sujet le plus difficile pour l’Église : l’avenir des prêtres, la juste définition du sacerdoce catholique et le respect du célibat.
À quatre-vingt-douze ans, Benoît XVI signe un de ses plus grands textes. D’une densité intellectuelle, culturelle et théologique rare, celui-ci remonte aux sources du problème : « Au fondement de la situation grave dans laquelle se trouve aujourd’hui le sacerdoce, écrit-il, on trouve un défaut méthodologique dans la réception de l’Écriture comme Parole de Dieu. »
À son analyse implacable répond le texte du cardinal Robert Sarah. Il apporte son éclairage singulier avec la force, la radicalité et la sagesse qui lui sont propres. Nous y retrouvons le courage de la réflexion de l’un des plus importants prélats de l’Église.
Les deux auteurs se répondent, se complètent et se stimulent. Ils livrent une démonstration parfaite, sans crainte d’ouvrir le débat.
Benoît XVI et le cardinal Robert Sarah ont répondu à l’élan de leurs cœurs. Ce livre fera date. À bien des égards, il est unique. Et, certainement, historique.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2020
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About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
943 books935 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
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March 14, 2020
There are few books that I can recall in recent history that causes as much of a kerfuffle in recent times. The closest would be Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within by Dr. Taylor R. Marshall. And in many ways the controversy surrounding this volume was even greater. The whole issues of Vatican claims that Pope Benedict XVI wanted his name removed from the volume. And the French publisher agreeing, and Ignatius standing firm and not doing so. And maybe that is the biggest sign that this book was desperately needed. Two sons of the church wrote from their hearts, and from their experience on a topic that is a cause of great divide within the church. These men listened to the Holy Spirit and collaborated on this incredible volume.
The book contains an introduction and conclusion that was jointly written by Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah. And each contributed another piece to the collection. And this English edition has an extensive excerpt from Sarah’s The Power of Silence. The sections in this edition of this book are:
Editor’s Note
What Do You Fear?
Introduction by the Two Authors
I The Catholic Priesthood
by Benedict XVI
II Loving to the End: An Ecclesiological and Pastoral Look at Priestly Celibacy
by Robert Cardinal Sarah
In the Shadow of the Cross
Conclusion by the Two Authors
Excerpt from The Power of Silence
More from Ignatius Press
Notes
Part of the description of this volume states:
“From the Depths of Our Hearts is an unprecedented work by the Pope Emeritus and a Cardinal serving in the Vatican. As bishops, they write “in a spirit of filial obedience” to Pope Francis, who has said, “I think that celibacy is a gift for the Church … I don’t agree with allowing optional celibacy, no.””
And it is a book most needed. Needed for the priests and bishops today. For the priests and bishops of tomorrow. And for the laity. Thirty years ago, in the confessional I was told all it was going to take for married priests was “a puff of white smoke”. That priest was wrong and looking back from a very different point in life I am thankful he was.
This was a deeply moving book. It stirred much in my soul. Reminding me of my own periods of discernment of vocation. Even of my times away from the Catholic Church. The three greatest things in the Catholic church are, the real presence in the eucharist, the sacrament of confession, and priestly celibacy. In the Editor’s note we are informed:
“Astute readers of the pope emeritus will have no difficulty recognizing the style, the logic, and the wonderful pedagogy of the author of the trilogy dedicated to Jesus of Nazareth. The discourse is structured, the citations are abundant, and the argumentation is polished.”
And it is true as someone who has read several books by Pope Benedict XVI, and many books about him, it is easy to see his imprint upon this piece. And in the introduction the two state:
“In recent months, while the world was echoing with the din created by a strange media synod that overrode the real synod, we met together. We exchanged our ideas and our anxieties. We prayed and meditated in silence. Each of our meetings mutually strengthened and calmed us. Our reflections, conducted along different lines, led us to exchange letters. The similarity of our concerns and the convergence of our conclusions persuaded us to place the fruit of our work and of our spiritual friendship at the disposal of all the faithful, following the example of Saint Augustine.”
In the piece by Benedict XVI he sets clear definitions and descriptions of the roles of:
Apostolos
Episkopos
Presbyteros
One of the sections in that chapter that I keep thinking on is:
“At the time of Vatican II, this question of the opposition between ministries and priesthood became absolutely unavoidable for the Catholic Church as well. Indeed, “allegory” as a pneumatic transition from the Old to the New Testament had become incomprehensible. The decree of the council on the ministry and life of priests hardly deals with this question at all. Nevertheless, in the period that followed, it monopolized our attention with an unprecedented urgency, and it turned into a crisis of the priesthood that has lasted to this day in the Church.”
And Pope Benedict Xvi concludes his reflection by examining three biblical texts that should help clarify the notion of priesthood. And he concludes on a personal note:
“Thus, on that eve of my ordination, a deep impression was left on my soul of what it means to be ordained a priest, beyond all the ceremonial aspects: it means that we must continually be purified and overcome by Christ so that he is the one who speaks and acts in us, and less and less we ourselves. It appeared to me clearly that this process, which consists of becoming one with him and renouncing what belongs only to us, lasts a whole lifetime and continually includes liberations and painful renewals.
In this sense, the words of John 17:17 pointed out to me the way that I have walked throughout my life.”
And it is that personal aspect that is most evident in the piece by Cardinal Robert Sarah. He gives examples of the missionaries that led to his family’s conversion, and his own call to the priesthood. He writes of work as a priest traveling to areas that did not see a priest often and they joy and anticipation with witch they were received. He states:
“What view of the priest will some isolated, poorly evangelized populations have? Is the intention to prevent them from discovering the fullness of the Christian priesthood? In early 1976, when I was a young priest, I traveled to certain remote villages in Guinea. Some of them had not had a visit from a priest for almost ten years, because the European missionaries had been expelled in 1967 by Sékou Touré. Nevertheless, the Christians continued to teach the catechism to the children and to recite their daily prayers and the Rosary. They showed a great devotion to the Virgin Mary and gathered every Sunday to listen to the Word of God.
I had the grace of meeting these men and women who kept the faith without any sacramental support, for lack of priests. They were nourished by the Word of God and kept their faith alive through daily prayer. I will never be able to forget their unimaginable joy when I celebrated Mass, which they had not experienced for such a long time. Allow me to state forcefully and with certainty: I think that if they had ordained married men in each village, the Eucharistic hunger of the faithful would have been extinguished. The people would have been cut off from that joy of receiving another Christ in the priest. For, with the instinct of faith, poor people know that a priest who has renounced marriage gives them the gift of all his spousal love.”
And it is from those experiences that he writes. He states:
“As a bishop, I fear that the plan to ordain married men as priests might generate a pastoral catastrophe. It would be a catastrophe for the faithful to whom they would be sent. It would be a catastrophe for the priests themselves.”
I found this volume deeply moving. I could not put it down. And I know I will return to it again and again. My own son has been saying for 6 years now that he will be a priest when he grows up. I plan on rereading this with him, within a year or two.
This is a book all Catholics should read. No matter where they fall on the questions of married priests, female deacons, or to really stretch it female priests. This book is written from a place of love, of devotion, of service, and of grave concern for the future of the Catholic Church. We need to read it and heed its warnings. For our good, for the good of the priesthood, and for those who will come after us.
A must read for all Catholics in this day and age.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
The book contains an introduction and conclusion that was jointly written by Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah. And each contributed another piece to the collection. And this English edition has an extensive excerpt from Sarah’s The Power of Silence. The sections in this edition of this book are:
Editor’s Note
What Do You Fear?
Introduction by the Two Authors
I The Catholic Priesthood
by Benedict XVI
II Loving to the End: An Ecclesiological and Pastoral Look at Priestly Celibacy
by Robert Cardinal Sarah
In the Shadow of the Cross
Conclusion by the Two Authors
Excerpt from The Power of Silence
More from Ignatius Press
Notes
Part of the description of this volume states:
“From the Depths of Our Hearts is an unprecedented work by the Pope Emeritus and a Cardinal serving in the Vatican. As bishops, they write “in a spirit of filial obedience” to Pope Francis, who has said, “I think that celibacy is a gift for the Church … I don’t agree with allowing optional celibacy, no.””
And it is a book most needed. Needed for the priests and bishops today. For the priests and bishops of tomorrow. And for the laity. Thirty years ago, in the confessional I was told all it was going to take for married priests was “a puff of white smoke”. That priest was wrong and looking back from a very different point in life I am thankful he was.
This was a deeply moving book. It stirred much in my soul. Reminding me of my own periods of discernment of vocation. Even of my times away from the Catholic Church. The three greatest things in the Catholic church are, the real presence in the eucharist, the sacrament of confession, and priestly celibacy. In the Editor’s note we are informed:
“Astute readers of the pope emeritus will have no difficulty recognizing the style, the logic, and the wonderful pedagogy of the author of the trilogy dedicated to Jesus of Nazareth. The discourse is structured, the citations are abundant, and the argumentation is polished.”
And it is true as someone who has read several books by Pope Benedict XVI, and many books about him, it is easy to see his imprint upon this piece. And in the introduction the two state:
“In recent months, while the world was echoing with the din created by a strange media synod that overrode the real synod, we met together. We exchanged our ideas and our anxieties. We prayed and meditated in silence. Each of our meetings mutually strengthened and calmed us. Our reflections, conducted along different lines, led us to exchange letters. The similarity of our concerns and the convergence of our conclusions persuaded us to place the fruit of our work and of our spiritual friendship at the disposal of all the faithful, following the example of Saint Augustine.”
In the piece by Benedict XVI he sets clear definitions and descriptions of the roles of:
Apostolos
Episkopos
Presbyteros
One of the sections in that chapter that I keep thinking on is:
“At the time of Vatican II, this question of the opposition between ministries and priesthood became absolutely unavoidable for the Catholic Church as well. Indeed, “allegory” as a pneumatic transition from the Old to the New Testament had become incomprehensible. The decree of the council on the ministry and life of priests hardly deals with this question at all. Nevertheless, in the period that followed, it monopolized our attention with an unprecedented urgency, and it turned into a crisis of the priesthood that has lasted to this day in the Church.”
And Pope Benedict Xvi concludes his reflection by examining three biblical texts that should help clarify the notion of priesthood. And he concludes on a personal note:
“Thus, on that eve of my ordination, a deep impression was left on my soul of what it means to be ordained a priest, beyond all the ceremonial aspects: it means that we must continually be purified and overcome by Christ so that he is the one who speaks and acts in us, and less and less we ourselves. It appeared to me clearly that this process, which consists of becoming one with him and renouncing what belongs only to us, lasts a whole lifetime and continually includes liberations and painful renewals.
In this sense, the words of John 17:17 pointed out to me the way that I have walked throughout my life.”
And it is that personal aspect that is most evident in the piece by Cardinal Robert Sarah. He gives examples of the missionaries that led to his family’s conversion, and his own call to the priesthood. He writes of work as a priest traveling to areas that did not see a priest often and they joy and anticipation with witch they were received. He states:
“What view of the priest will some isolated, poorly evangelized populations have? Is the intention to prevent them from discovering the fullness of the Christian priesthood? In early 1976, when I was a young priest, I traveled to certain remote villages in Guinea. Some of them had not had a visit from a priest for almost ten years, because the European missionaries had been expelled in 1967 by Sékou Touré. Nevertheless, the Christians continued to teach the catechism to the children and to recite their daily prayers and the Rosary. They showed a great devotion to the Virgin Mary and gathered every Sunday to listen to the Word of God.
I had the grace of meeting these men and women who kept the faith without any sacramental support, for lack of priests. They were nourished by the Word of God and kept their faith alive through daily prayer. I will never be able to forget their unimaginable joy when I celebrated Mass, which they had not experienced for such a long time. Allow me to state forcefully and with certainty: I think that if they had ordained married men in each village, the Eucharistic hunger of the faithful would have been extinguished. The people would have been cut off from that joy of receiving another Christ in the priest. For, with the instinct of faith, poor people know that a priest who has renounced marriage gives them the gift of all his spousal love.”
And it is from those experiences that he writes. He states:
“As a bishop, I fear that the plan to ordain married men as priests might generate a pastoral catastrophe. It would be a catastrophe for the faithful to whom they would be sent. It would be a catastrophe for the priests themselves.”
I found this volume deeply moving. I could not put it down. And I know I will return to it again and again. My own son has been saying for 6 years now that he will be a priest when he grows up. I plan on rereading this with him, within a year or two.
This is a book all Catholics should read. No matter where they fall on the questions of married priests, female deacons, or to really stretch it female priests. This book is written from a place of love, of devotion, of service, and of grave concern for the future of the Catholic Church. We need to read it and heed its warnings. For our good, for the good of the priesthood, and for those who will come after us.
A must read for all Catholics in this day and age.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 18, 2020
Presents in basic and readable form, the basic arguments for the practice of the celibate priesthood. Good overview of the subject. Some moments of heart-felt exhortation.
March 2, 2020
Beautiful, faithful, and powerful - the response of these men is clearly borne of deep, intimate prayer. Pope Benedict returns to the Scriptures and Cardinal Sarah gives powerful exhortation to preach the Gospel.
April 19, 2020
Una valiente defensa del celibato sacerdotal, con fuerza profética. El gran valor de esta obra es que nace de un amor profundo a Jesucristo y a su Iglesia y las palabras escritas lo transmiten perfectamente
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July 23, 2020I read this book desiring to find hope for the restoration of the Catholic Church and priesthood. The Regensburg Address, The Spirit of the Liturgy, and Jesus of Nazareth are books that I have appreciated by Pope Benedict XVI. His books are scholarly, originally written in German, and I can count on learning a little more Latin and German as I read.
In his chapter, Benedict XVI dives deep into the Old Testament and New Testament and how each of them informs the meaning of the Catholic priesthood. He relates experiences from the time of his ordination and thoughts about how to live as a priest. His discussion of Eucharistic Prayer II and how it serves to define the priesthood is interesting, even delving into how translations in German, Italian and English differ.
In Robert Cardinal Sarah's chapter he gets right to the point of why he is worried for priests and the priesthood. He ties in to the points of Benedict XVI's chapter, expanding upon them and relating examples from his own experience that convince him of the importance of the pope emeritus' words.
Cardinal Sarah puts things more eloquently than I, but this is my takeaway : Anyone who thinks that priestly celibacy is not essential should read this book. Having more priests because the standards are lower diminishes the priesthood overall. Faithful priests are crucial to restoring the Catholic Church.
In his chapter, Benedict XVI dives deep into the Old Testament and New Testament and how each of them informs the meaning of the Catholic priesthood. He relates experiences from the time of his ordination and thoughts about how to live as a priest. His discussion of Eucharistic Prayer II and how it serves to define the priesthood is interesting, even delving into how translations in German, Italian and English differ.
In Robert Cardinal Sarah's chapter he gets right to the point of why he is worried for priests and the priesthood. He ties in to the points of Benedict XVI's chapter, expanding upon them and relating examples from his own experience that convince him of the importance of the pope emeritus' words.
Cardinal Sarah puts things more eloquently than I, but this is my takeaway : Anyone who thinks that priestly celibacy is not essential should read this book. Having more priests because the standards are lower diminishes the priesthood overall. Faithful priests are crucial to restoring the Catholic Church.
March 27, 2020
What a tremendous treatment of the Priesthood and Celibacy by Pope Emeritus BXVI and Cardinal Sarah! For a man of 92 years of age, BXVI's mind tackles these theological topics with masterful insight, care, and love for the Church and the Word of God.
I recommend this to all priests, seminarians, and all those seeking to understand the theological reasons for Priestly Celibacy.
I recommend this to all priests, seminarians, and all those seeking to understand the theological reasons for Priestly Celibacy.
April 18, 2020
SO GOOD!!! One of the most influential CATHOLIC books of are time. A MUST READ.
April 8, 2025
I hope to see both of their inevitable canonizations in my lifetime.
March 23, 2020
I don't feel like I can even attempt to review something by these authors. All I can say is that watching Papa Ben lay out his reflection on celibacy is like watching Michelangelo carve marble - slowly, carefully revealing a beautiful figure, using only as much force as necessary; while reading Cardinal Sarah is like watching a champion boxer, deftly and artfully maneuvering, but striking with the force of a truck.
It's a beautiful book, by far the best I've ever read about celibacy. It's extremely honest, pulling no punches. Most importantly, it opens for the reader a window into the part that celibacy plays in the glorious landscape of the Church's life and theology. Celibacy is a beautiful, powerful, and desirable thing for the Catholic Church and its priesthood. Pope Benedict and Cardinal Sarah make that clear.
It's a beautiful book, by far the best I've ever read about celibacy. It's extremely honest, pulling no punches. Most importantly, it opens for the reader a window into the part that celibacy plays in the glorious landscape of the Church's life and theology. Celibacy is a beautiful, powerful, and desirable thing for the Catholic Church and its priesthood. Pope Benedict and Cardinal Sarah make that clear.
May 25, 2020
Beautiful, simple, heartfelt, deeply theological. It gave me a new and fuller understanding of the nature of the Catholic priesthood, celibacy as its inherent aspect and the absolute need for prayer and the Scripture as the bedrock of faith. The Authors direct a considerable part of their argument at priests but it resonates just as powerfully with laypeople like me. Cardinal Sarah also speaks of new, emerging African Catholic communities (of which I definitely want to know more). It is the first time I have had a chance to read anything by Robert Cardinal Sarah but definitely not the last.
May 16, 2020
I was attracted to this book because of the authors whom I respect enormously. I usually find in their books that I have to look up some of the vocabulary used and reread sections. However, this was an easier read for me and hope this comment will encourage any reluctant reader.
Being totally convinced of celibacy being an integral part of the Latin Church, I did not need to be persuaded. But there is beautiful writing on the gift of celibacy, of standing at the altar as an alter Christus and the loss to the world if it became optional. My understanding of what celibacy can be, has been enhanced.
Being totally convinced of celibacy being an integral part of the Latin Church, I did not need to be persuaded. But there is beautiful writing on the gift of celibacy, of standing at the altar as an alter Christus and the loss to the world if it became optional. My understanding of what celibacy can be, has been enhanced.
February 11, 2025
While this book was originally written in response to the errors being promoted at the Synod of the Amazonia, it is full of powerful theology that is very useful for anyone pursuing a life of chastity. Of course, it remains topical since the rise of the German Synod, which promotes the same errors.
I went in expecting a pretty ordinary book on chastity in the priesthood, like the ones I've seen so far. Instead, I got Cardinal Sarah firing on all cylinders and taking no prisoners, here's a quote: "We are dealing with ideologies developed by a few theologians, or rather sorcerer's apprentices, who wish to utilize the distress of poor peoples as an experimental laboratory for their clever plans".
February 23, 2020
The title of this book sums up its contents. The book was short, informative and beautifully written. If a person does not "get" why the Church has celibate priests, they just don't get Catholicism and they are completely ignorant on how and why it all came about to begin with. They do not understand the Old or New Testaments or what Jesus taught. That is not surprising as those who do not get this right, do not get anything else right either.
Love your priests, they have sacrificed their lives to love you.
Love your priests, they have sacrificed their lives to love you.
March 5, 2020
A short but a quite high-profile defence of the celibacy of Catholic priests, as constitutive of their priesthood, rather than as a disposable practice. The book simply contains two essays, one by the old pope, Benedict XVI, and the other by Cardinal Sarah, who has become reasonably well known from his interview books and the powerful treatise on prayer called the Power of Silence. Pope Benedict is eager to connect the cultic hierarchy of the Hebrew people, as demonstrated by the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament of the Christians), and the cultic hierarchy of the Catholic Church, which was instituted by Christ in his organisation of the Apostles. From there, he moves on to how the part-time dedication of the Hebrew priests to the sacrificial cult of the Temple was taken up and developed in the Apostolic Church into the full-time dedication of the Christian priests to the sacrificial cult of the Catholic Mass. Constitutive of this dedication is the early development of the practice in the Roman Church of mandatory celibacy or her priests.
Cardinal Sarah, in his essay, builds on Benedict's principle of cult and the priesthood with an impassioned description of the spousal relationship between the priest and the Church, which is an integral part of Catholic ecclesiology, that is, the Catholic understanding of the Church. He is anxious to compare the fidelity of the priests, as with the fidelity of Christ to his Church, with the fidelity of spouses in marriage. This makes the Sacraments of Matrimony and Orders intrinsically linked. This makes the priesthood a way of life, like married life, and celibacy (as fidelity to the Church) is as much a part of that way of life as marital fidelity is in marriage. It seems that both authors are convinced that celibacy is so intrinsic to both the priesthood AND the Church that to in any way compromise it will allow a rot to set in and cause immense damage to the Church at every level.
An important book, not only because of its content, but because of its timing, coming soon after the much-hyped synod of the Amazon and the consequent (unreasonable) expectations created by the chattering classes as to the Holy Father's likely ending of priestly celibacy.
Cardinal Sarah, in his essay, builds on Benedict's principle of cult and the priesthood with an impassioned description of the spousal relationship between the priest and the Church, which is an integral part of Catholic ecclesiology, that is, the Catholic understanding of the Church. He is anxious to compare the fidelity of the priests, as with the fidelity of Christ to his Church, with the fidelity of spouses in marriage. This makes the Sacraments of Matrimony and Orders intrinsically linked. This makes the priesthood a way of life, like married life, and celibacy (as fidelity to the Church) is as much a part of that way of life as marital fidelity is in marriage. It seems that both authors are convinced that celibacy is so intrinsic to both the priesthood AND the Church that to in any way compromise it will allow a rot to set in and cause immense damage to the Church at every level.
An important book, not only because of its content, but because of its timing, coming soon after the much-hyped synod of the Amazon and the consequent (unreasonable) expectations created by the chattering classes as to the Holy Father's likely ending of priestly celibacy.
November 16, 2024
This book is split into two halves. Pope Benedict XVI offers a historical background to the priesthood and celibacy as a whole. This was difficult to get into and understand. His historical knowledge is incredible. I was enthralled with the book as Cardinal Sarah began to explain the true gift that celibacy is. If celibacy is seen as a suppression of sexual desire, it will always seem to be a problem rooted in an outdated practice. The new springtime in the Church will be accompanied by a renewal in the priesthood. This renewal in the priesthood will hinge on the experience and view of celibacy as a gift. In a reflection on priestly celibacy, Fr. Gary Selin draws light on this gift saying, "Celibacy is a gift given to the priest by the Holy Spirit. Celibacy lived as a gift is not a burden, although the living of this gift involves sacrifice. Celibacy is a gift that frees the priest to give himself fully to Christ and His Church." Yes, there are practical benefits of celibacy, but these are not the reasons for it. The reason priests make a promise of lifelong celibacy is to give of themselves totally to God. Fr. Selin continues, "Priests are called to live celibacy first and foremost for the sake of union and intimacy with Christ, within whom and in whom we serve the Church, Ministry follows upon union with God." The gift of celibacy offers every priest a deep and intimate union with God. This intimacy with God is the foundation from which his ministry follows. Cardinal Sarah draws out the beauty of this promise and gift in the life of the priest. In doing so, he convincingly proves not only its suitability but also its tremendous worth in the life of the Church.
March 6, 2020
This is an open letter/publication to faithful and confused priests (primarily) and laypeople alike from Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cdl Sarah wherein they address and reiterate recent and timeless teachings on priestly celibacy and a few other subtopics (priestly marriage, the proposal of female clergy, etc.).
It's hard to "rate" this, as it is theological nonfiction, wholly correct (unlike the ideologically motivated opinions brought to bear in demand of changes in the clergy), and rather elementary, if sometimes requiring some theological background. About two thirds of the book is written by Cardinal Sarah, whose writing is generally more contemplative and accessible than Benedict (who is a very detailed, academic, and accomplished theologian), but who is also more insistent in his calls for action.
To briefly summarize, the error that lies at the heart of the issue is the concept of celibacy. This is assumed to be a "demand" or "characteristic" of the priesthood by many, but what those who do not understand Church teaching and the Holy Spirit's relationship with the priest do not grasp is that the Church considers celibacy as a core, defining, immutable aspect of a priest's relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Church. Sarah and Benedict seek to explain and remedy this misunderstanding and other errors in the wake of the largely disastrous and worldly-motivated Amazonian "synod".
It's hard to "rate" this, as it is theological nonfiction, wholly correct (unlike the ideologically motivated opinions brought to bear in demand of changes in the clergy), and rather elementary, if sometimes requiring some theological background. About two thirds of the book is written by Cardinal Sarah, whose writing is generally more contemplative and accessible than Benedict (who is a very detailed, academic, and accomplished theologian), but who is also more insistent in his calls for action.
To briefly summarize, the error that lies at the heart of the issue is the concept of celibacy. This is assumed to be a "demand" or "characteristic" of the priesthood by many, but what those who do not understand Church teaching and the Holy Spirit's relationship with the priest do not grasp is that the Church considers celibacy as a core, defining, immutable aspect of a priest's relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Church. Sarah and Benedict seek to explain and remedy this misunderstanding and other errors in the wake of the largely disastrous and worldly-motivated Amazonian "synod".
March 16, 2020
Quite well done response to the concerns Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah had regarding the recommendations coming from the Amazon Synod.
Benedict takes up the shorter first section effectively using his expertise as a biblical theologian to provide the biblical basis (OT and NT) for a celibate priesthood. Generally accessible, those bits that are a bit tough sledding are rewarded by profound insights as one keeps reading (I certainly gained several I never considered). A particular focus on meditating on the Word (in Scripture and sacrament) is particularly poignant (see esp. p.38).
Then Sarah picks up the mantle, pointedly calling out those in the synod for what he sees as a disastrous outcome to their deliberations. He argues more broadly theologically but also pastorally. He uses plentiful quotes from each of the past four popes to bolster his argument. His words have particular resonance because he can speak of challenges in his native Africa comparable to what the Amazon is experiencing (in fact, he attributes his own vocation to the example of dedicated celibate priests who ministered in his village).
The bottom line for both men: the priestly state is not simply a function but rather an all-consuming vocation one with no room for any responsibilities except toward the priest's bride: the Church.
Benedict takes up the shorter first section effectively using his expertise as a biblical theologian to provide the biblical basis (OT and NT) for a celibate priesthood. Generally accessible, those bits that are a bit tough sledding are rewarded by profound insights as one keeps reading (I certainly gained several I never considered). A particular focus on meditating on the Word (in Scripture and sacrament) is particularly poignant (see esp. p.38).
Then Sarah picks up the mantle, pointedly calling out those in the synod for what he sees as a disastrous outcome to their deliberations. He argues more broadly theologically but also pastorally. He uses plentiful quotes from each of the past four popes to bolster his argument. His words have particular resonance because he can speak of challenges in his native Africa comparable to what the Amazon is experiencing (in fact, he attributes his own vocation to the example of dedicated celibate priests who ministered in his village).
The bottom line for both men: the priestly state is not simply a function but rather an all-consuming vocation one with no room for any responsibilities except toward the priest's bride: the Church.
August 24, 2020
Avant de commencer la lecture, j'avais de grandes expectatives, sachant que et le Pope émérite e le grand cardinal Sarah sont des hommes irréprochables et réfléchis. Pourtant, j'ai été déçu largement. À mon avis, il ne s'agissait dans ce livre que d'une longue litanie - fort répétitive - de la conditio sine qua non du célibat. C'est vrai qu'au début, les auteurs donnent de bons arguments que l'on peut accepter ou non (je les trouve assez convainquants), mais on certainement n'aurait pas besoin de disserter sur ce thème pendant 180 pages ...
Comme un homme intéressé à la théorie ecclesiastico-théologique, ne soyant pas expert, les deux auteurs restent très vagues dans leurs argumentation. Les références bibliques m'étaient largement opaques - peut-être d'autres lecteurs avec des connaissances plus profondes les trouveront plus utiles.
À mon avis, il ne valait pas la peine de dédier autant de pages à ce seul thème, soit-il controvers comme l'affirment les deux hommes.
Comme un homme intéressé à la théorie ecclesiastico-théologique, ne soyant pas expert, les deux auteurs restent très vagues dans leurs argumentation. Les références bibliques m'étaient largement opaques - peut-être d'autres lecteurs avec des connaissances plus profondes les trouveront plus utiles.
À mon avis, il ne valait pas la peine de dédier autant de pages à ce seul thème, soit-il controvers comme l'affirment les deux hommes.
March 20, 2021
This book was so good. It comes at a particular time in history when the Catholic priesthood is badly disfigured by the sins of some priests, priestly vocations are fewer than ever, and many people are quick to persecute and mischaracterize priests. In spite of all of this ugliness, this book reveals the beauty of the priesthood. Pope Benedict XVI does an excellent job of succinctly laying out the scriptural foundations for the priesthood and tying together the Old and New testaments to show the deep roots of clerical celibacy in the Catholic tradition. I was not expecting to be so moved by Cardinal Sarah's words about the identity of the Catholic priest and what a priest means to the faithful. The book shows that celibate priesthood is a treasure that belongs to the whole Church and puts to words so much of what undergirds the appreciation that I and so many other Catholics have for the faithful priests who have brought Christ into our lives.
March 9, 2020
4.5. My only wish would be that Benedict's letter would have included more citations, but given that both authors are writing for a 'popular' audience, this is understandable.
Both letters are great, and Cardinal Sarah's letter includes a great number of selections from Benedict XVI and others which provide a phenomenal jumping off point for further rich reading, especially to provide a more full understanding of the theology and history of priestly celibacy in the life of the Church.
Worth the read, and relatively light. I read this in four days, but will be going back to read it again.
Both letters are great, and Cardinal Sarah's letter includes a great number of selections from Benedict XVI and others which provide a phenomenal jumping off point for further rich reading, especially to provide a more full understanding of the theology and history of priestly celibacy in the life of the Church.
Worth the read, and relatively light. I read this in four days, but will be going back to read it again.
August 30, 2023
Bella riflessione sul celibato sacerdotale ma insiste troppo sulla questione dell'Amazzonia, arrivando ad essere in alcuni punti ripetitivo. Sarah sostiene l'inseparabilità dei tria munera sulla base del concilio Vaticano II (in riferimento a PO 4-6, p. 103) ma la questione non è scontata e ci sono anche opinioni differenti, per questo avrei gradito se avesse citato alcune fonti teologiche e se avesse spiegato come questo ha a che fare con il celibato sacerdotale, perché i due temi non mi sembrano direttamente collegati.
July 3, 2024
An excellent review of why celibacy is a key to the Church as Jesus lived His celibacy. I was particularly moved by the call to holiness of life for priests. One of my favorite parts of the book comes through Sarah at the end when he says the following, “This is the central task of the priest: to bring God to men and women. Of course, he can only do this if he himself comes from God, if he lives with and by God… The true foundation of the priests life, the ground of his existence the ground of his life, is God himself.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
This is not just for those wanting to know about justifications for priestly celibacy. To be sure, it is primarily that, and these two holy men of God provide irrefutable evidence for the necessity of priestly celibacy, but they also tie it to the heart of marriage. One of the most powerful statements made in the book is that "if we abandon priestly celibacy, we lose the sense of marriage".
This is a must read for all people, not just Catholics.
This is a must read for all people, not just Catholics.
February 12, 2021
Aus der Tiefe des Herzens ist eine interessante Darstellung und Argumentation über das priesterliche Zölibat und dessen Verbindungen zu verschiedensten Krisen der katholischen Kirche, wobei es in Bezug auf katholische Argumentation zu aktuellen Themen (z.B. Frauen in klerikalen Ämtern) tief blicken lässt.
Darüber hinaus ist der Beitrag von Benedikt XVI. theologisch höchst interessant und literarisch anspruchsvoll verfasst, sodass es ein Vergnügen ist an seinem Genius teilhaben zu können.
Darüber hinaus ist der Beitrag von Benedikt XVI. theologisch höchst interessant und literarisch anspruchsvoll verfasst, sodass es ein Vergnügen ist an seinem Genius teilhaben zu können.
August 11, 2024
This book reshaped my view of the priesthood. Having grown up in an eastern Catholic community, exposure to married priesthood was common place. I still believe that if the Church accepts married priesthood in certain circumstances, then I must as well. However, having read this book, I now see that a lot of the troubles Cardinal Sarah predicts for the Roman Catholic Church, should she begin to accept married priesthood, are already very present within the eastern churches. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those discerning married priesthood in an eastern Catholic context.
August 18, 2020
A very helpful book at a time when priests are struggling with a changing world and a changing Church.
Benedict's analysis was as scholarly as ever, but not as impactful as I had hoped.
Sarah's analysis was really thought-provoking, especially in his description of how celibacy is a gift to the Church and her people.
Benedict's analysis was as scholarly as ever, but not as impactful as I had hoped.
Sarah's analysis was really thought-provoking, especially in his description of how celibacy is a gift to the Church and her people.
April 1, 2025
“You are the living rampart of the truth because you agreed to love it, even to the Cross.”
What a powerful testimony on the nature of the priesthood from Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah. Although I am not a priest, this book significantly deepened my spiritual life. Highly recommend this read.
What a powerful testimony on the nature of the priesthood from Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah. Although I am not a priest, this book significantly deepened my spiritual life. Highly recommend this read.
March 3, 2020
I thought the authors did a great job of writing as the title states - from the depths of their hearts. Pope Emeritus’ reflections were solid and profound, while Cardinal Sarah’s were heartfelt and pastoral. A great book.
March 9, 2020
Powerful short book on the Priesthood. PE Benedict xvi outlines the deep biblical and typological roots and frame of the priesthood, while Cdl Sarah shows us the fruits and flowers of the same tree. Next book should take on idolatry!
March 21, 2020
An excellent book detailing the history of priestly celibacy in the Catholic Church, from its beginnings to why it is important today. Benedict and Cardinal Sarah write with their trademark clarity, consistency, and scholarship.
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