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The Priests We Need to Save the Church
While dissolute bishops and priests around the world grab headlines for their untoward words and deeds, too many other unfruitful priests minister as little more than glad-handing bachelors doing social service work.
Top and bottom, is this the Church that Christ intended? Are these the priests we need?
No! cries author Kevin Wells in these compelling pages that showcase how heroic priests can faithfully tread the narrow path of holy self-sacrifice first blazed by the apostles themselves. From scores of insightful interviews with modern priests, exorcists, seminary formators, and even disillusioned laity, Wells here draws forth a blueprint for priestly holiness that can once again fill our Church with priests abounding with sincere, supernatural faith, on fire with God s love, and moved by the irresistible impulse to save souls, no matter the cost to themselves.
Reading this book will deepen your own faith and help you understand what all priests, by their vocation, are consecrated and called to be. Giving a copy to your parish priest will help him and encourage him as he strives to become a member of the small but growing contingent of holy priests we need.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2019
68 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 2, 2019
The title is misleading. I can't help but think it should be: The Men and Women We Need to Save the Church. Priests are at the heart of the matter, however, so it's right to appeal to the first intended audience.
The book will, no doubt, unsettle and even anger many within (and without) the Catholic Church. I tried to read with an open mind and an open heart and, challenged though I was, it occurred to me that faith should challenge us. We would never presume to tell a doctor or health practitioner to lower the bar in matters of nutrition or exercise. Why do we do so to our churches in matters of conduct?
I need my local friends of faith to read this so we can have a (respectful, spirited) discussion following.
The book will, no doubt, unsettle and even anger many within (and without) the Catholic Church. I tried to read with an open mind and an open heart and, challenged though I was, it occurred to me that faith should challenge us. We would never presume to tell a doctor or health practitioner to lower the bar in matters of nutrition or exercise. Why do we do so to our churches in matters of conduct?
I need my local friends of faith to read this so we can have a (respectful, spirited) discussion following.
October 10, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. If I were a priest, this would be my guidebook and inspiration for having a heart and soul that longs to lead people to Heaven. It’s inspiring and encouraging and well-written. A well-written book can make any topic understandable and moving and fill one’s imagination with concrete ideas and be memorable. So many books I read are good, but forgotten too quickly. This one is not that way. I’ll remember it. And I’ll give my copy to my favorite seminarian; I have one in mind.
February 25, 2020
This book is so well done, and will move your heart to tears a few times. I had heard Kevin Wells on the radio, promoting this book which is about his uncle, Msgr. Thomas Wells. But, more importantly, this is a handbook for every single priest in our Church, to help them become the holy priests that we need today. There are real anecdotes that will touch your heart, and make you long for a pastor that is brave, and will lay down his life for his flock. I know we need to pray daily for our priests, and Kevin Wells points this out so clearly in this book, an homage to his uncle, to all good, fervent priests, and for those who will meet the challenge.
December 18, 2022
3.5 stars.
There was a lot of really good stuff in this book, and Wells does an excellent job of painting the picture of holy priests through storytelling and common themes of a holy priesthood. It's inspiring.
That being said, there's some stuff that wasn't so great. The support of Archbishop Vigano, which may have been justified at the time, didn't age well. Wells also creates sorts of false dichotomies, such as Orthodox vs. Liberal. He oversimplifies issues of pre-Vatican II being better and post-Vatican II being against tradition.
I don't necessarily disagree with his views, but it's more complicated than he lets on.
There was a lot of really good stuff in this book, and Wells does an excellent job of painting the picture of holy priests through storytelling and common themes of a holy priesthood. It's inspiring.
That being said, there's some stuff that wasn't so great. The support of Archbishop Vigano, which may have been justified at the time, didn't age well. Wells also creates sorts of false dichotomies, such as Orthodox vs. Liberal. He oversimplifies issues of pre-Vatican II being better and post-Vatican II being against tradition.
I don't necessarily disagree with his views, but it's more complicated than he lets on.
March 19, 2022
There are some excellent points the author makes in this book. Rightfully, it is calling us priests to be better priests. Though I wholeheartedly agree with so many of his points, the image of priesthood he writes about is about a parish priest, isn’t as nuanced to the life we live as parish priests, and I felt he was placing us priests on a pedestal, idealizing the priestly life.
The author outlines in his book the eight essential characteristics of a saintly (parish) priest:
1. Adores the Eucharistic Jesus
2. Is devoted to Mary
3. Pays devoutly
4. Assumes a victimhood
5. Is a father
6. Is persistently available
7. Preaches Divine Truth
8. Dives into souls at a moment’s notice
I wouldn’t recommend anyone to read this book without a discerning eye and probably a priest to sit down and talk to about points you found interesting (actually I’d quite appreciate someone doing this). The author makes valid points and to an uncritical reader, some examples meant to highlight could take said reader into the weeds of nonsense or distraction.
The author outlines in his book the eight essential characteristics of a saintly (parish) priest:
1. Adores the Eucharistic Jesus
2. Is devoted to Mary
3. Pays devoutly
4. Assumes a victimhood
5. Is a father
6. Is persistently available
7. Preaches Divine Truth
8. Dives into souls at a moment’s notice
I wouldn’t recommend anyone to read this book without a discerning eye and probably a priest to sit down and talk to about points you found interesting (actually I’d quite appreciate someone doing this). The author makes valid points and to an uncritical reader, some examples meant to highlight could take said reader into the weeds of nonsense or distraction.
August 2, 2020
This is a book .... a wonderful book! When I finished reading, I had the impression that it was written from the heart (of the author) and to reach the hearts of priests, at least the hearts of priests who seek to know what lay people expect from us.
The book is full of wonderful, simple and pastoral stories; of uplifting examples, attractive characters, and practical ideas for daily life in the priestly ministry. It is easy to read and at the same time it has many "moments" that help prayer and, above all, an examination of conscience.
Who should read it? Priests and seminarians, especially, but also anyone who wants to understand the current moment in the Catholic Church of the United States.
I personally have really enjoyed it.
AE
The book is full of wonderful, simple and pastoral stories; of uplifting examples, attractive characters, and practical ideas for daily life in the priestly ministry. It is easy to read and at the same time it has many "moments" that help prayer and, above all, an examination of conscience.
Who should read it? Priests and seminarians, especially, but also anyone who wants to understand the current moment in the Catholic Church of the United States.
I personally have really enjoyed it.
AE
February 13, 2020
A beautiful and compelling book that speaks the simple truth of what we Catholics need to see in our priests. I am blessed that I have one of these priests in my parish. All laity deserve priests who are priests for them. Read the book. Send a copy to the nearest seminary and maybe to your Bishop.
A great read, even if you are not Catholic.
A great read, even if you are not Catholic.
January 15, 2021
Inspiring read; it encouraged me to be a better Catholic and I hope to encounter more priests and lay people on fire for the faith.
July 29, 2020
True Priesthood
Captivated by the true sacrificial life of a genuine shepherd. Kevin Wells lays it out there. The story of Uncle Tommy was impressive; perhaps my favorite part.
Required reading for the clergy, and highly recommended to the laity.
Captivated by the true sacrificial life of a genuine shepherd. Kevin Wells lays it out there. The story of Uncle Tommy was impressive; perhaps my favorite part.
Required reading for the clergy, and highly recommended to the laity.
January 16, 2023
I love books that speak directly on truth, not sugar coating or dancing around it. I especially love these books when written by skilled authors who can keep your interest peaked throughout. This book falls into that category. Special thanks to the friend who suggested it. I pray this book helps lead many souls closer to Christ.
June 18, 2023
Great book on the priesthood but also on principals of Christian leadership and evangelization
March 27, 2025
I loved this book. The author paints a beautiful picture of priestly holiness. His uncle, Father Thomas Wells, influenced him greatly. Well done!
July 10, 2020
An excellent book - especially great as a gift for newly ordained priests.
November 22, 2019
This book gives voice to the type of spiritual fatherhood so many of the faithful are craving. This book should be required reading for all those men discerning a vocation, in the seminary and already priests.
Why read this if not in that space? Because truth is truth, and the elements that make a priest a fantastic father also inform my own vocation. Fasting for my children, emptying myself of my own comfort - I feel a zeal for my own vocation thanks to this book. Well done!
Why read this if not in that space? Because truth is truth, and the elements that make a priest a fantastic father also inform my own vocation. Fasting for my children, emptying myself of my own comfort - I feel a zeal for my own vocation thanks to this book. Well done!
February 28, 2020
Fantastic read
Excellent book. Very well written and informative. I found it fascinating and truthful. Every Catholic or anyone that considers themselves a Catholic should read this book. Or anyone considering the Catholic faith. This is a must read.
Excellent book. Very well written and informative. I found it fascinating and truthful. Every Catholic or anyone that considers themselves a Catholic should read this book. Or anyone considering the Catholic faith. This is a must read.
February 13, 2020
Loved this book. Read it!
December 31, 2022
Although I agree with everything the author said, I really wish he wouldn’t relate absolutely everything back to his “uncle Tommy.” I absolutely understand the sainted man Msgr. Wells was, however I think he might not appreciate all the sainting that goes on here. Ontop of that he continually beckons back to an “earlier” and “better” time of clergy where “men were men,” etc. Everyone thinks that they live in the worst time. The time of the modern church is not the same time as before. The author has it correct that all the things he has observed in holy priests are things that should be observed by all priests in every time but we need to focus on that as a church now instead of looking back and complaining it’s not present. Overall agree with what he is saying but don’t necessarily agree with everything he said.
July 13, 2022
I absolutely loved loved loved this book! I’m not sure which priest to pass it on to. I wouldn’t want a “bachelor priest” (great descriptor!) to feel intimidated by being given this book by a parishioner. And the two priests I know who are exactly the kind of priest this book is written about probably don’t need many pointers because they are already sharing with their parishioners their love of the Eucharist, of Jesus and Mary, of their holy calling. How fortunate for those of us whose local priest truly works to save our souls and shepherd us to Heaven! God bless all priests. Because of them the Church will always be there for us, no matter how screwy and bizarre the secular world becomes.
January 31, 2023
The catholic Church from the beginning is high on controversy related to power, corruption, misdeeds, etc. In the olden times the layity had a greater belief on the priest and over the period of time the priest are exposed to their unfaithfulness and serious issues are been raised on the vocation itself.
The author does an balancing between the vocation, shortcomings and faith through an incident of dilemma and interaction with the priest.
A good book to read.
One thing we may need to introspect is that priest are also humans with some desires and cannot be perfect. However the thinner line between desire, perfection and expectations is causing damage to the faith formation.
The author does an balancing between the vocation, shortcomings and faith through an incident of dilemma and interaction with the priest.
A good book to read.
One thing we may need to introspect is that priest are also humans with some desires and cannot be perfect. However the thinner line between desire, perfection and expectations is causing damage to the faith formation.
June 15, 2021
I thought this was a phenomenal book and is a challenge to me, a lay Catholic, to better live out my faith. Kevin's diagnosis for what ails the Church is spot on, it's an absence of fatherhood. Sadly this ails all of Western society right now as men have abdicated their responsibilities to God and family in the face of a cultural onslaught against them. Thank you to Kevin for writing this inspirational book. Not only will it help priests, I suspect it will also provide impetus for some young men to take a leap of faith into seminary to become one of the priests we need to save the Church.
November 3, 2024
This book needed to be written to inspire and encourage priests to be shepherds as Pope St John Paul II described in his PASTORES DABO VOBIS ( I will give you shepherds) appeal to priests to be real, special and dedicated shepherds. The unfailing loyalty of lay men and women is a real spur to us priests to be what Christ wants us to be. Kevin Wells, who as a layman writes from the depth of his heart, not only encourages priests but also gives examples of holy priests - one of whom was his uncle - who did wonders. This book should encourage people to pray for their priests.
May 20, 2021
Inspiring read as a seminarian. Read for a class / multi-week discussion at Franciscan university. Grateful that this book was written! Several times has gotten me up off my rear spiritually and inspired to give more my all to the Church in this discernment and conformity with Christ and in very practical ways through the example of Wells' uncle. Very readable with great personal anecdotes and well worth the read!
February 16, 2022
Definitely a worthwhile read. The author seems a bit heavy-handed at times when speaking of some clergymen, but it's clearly not without reverence and a prayerful disposition. I think he provides a good diagnosis for the state of the current-day Church and offers what he believes to be the solution. I think it's a must-read for anyone in discernment or formation to be a priest, or who is a priest.
November 11, 2020
Great book on the priesthood
Well balanced, practical with sound spiritual advice and life experience from stories from his uncle the late Msgr. Thomas Wells. An important book for any seminarian, priest or lay person to read in regards to the priesthood, its importance, and what a true priest does for Christ, His Church, and the people under his care.
Well balanced, practical with sound spiritual advice and life experience from stories from his uncle the late Msgr. Thomas Wells. An important book for any seminarian, priest or lay person to read in regards to the priesthood, its importance, and what a true priest does for Christ, His Church, and the people under his care.
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March 7, 2021I wish this were just a biography of the authors family-member-priest. I think it would be much more impressive and touching. Also, always helpful to remember that Jesus will be doing the saving, and that the priest can help or hinder that...but really the priests we need will save the Church...I mean it's catchy...
October 19, 2023
Outstanding! Everyone needs to read this book. These are the Priests we need to save our Church. These are the Priests that I have always found that nurture my soul and lead me to Christ and the Saints.
February 5, 2022
A pep talk that's inspiring for priests.
September 17, 2025
Excellent! This is a great book for everyone, but any seminarian or priest would do well to remember the lessons and example of Msgr. "Tommy" Wells.
October 31, 2025
Really enjoyed this book, I love Kevin wells writing! For sure made me see so much of the hidden parts of the priesthood and all the sufferings they endure. Praying for our priests♥️
March 17, 2020
Such a well written message of what is desperately needed in our Church today. The book starts off with the story of a priest, a Monsignor who is the uncle of the author and also an inspiration to many whose lives he’s touched. As the book continues, we learn more about “Tommy” and many other priests who have taken on the role of being spiritual fathers and true examples of the priests we need today. I will definitely be purchasing a few hard copies to give as gifts to priests who could benefit from this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews