Alter Christus: Priestly Holiness on Earth and in Eternity

by Ezra Sullivan

In this powerful book, Fr. Ezra Sullivan, a Dominican professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, reflects on the inestimable gift and responsibility of the priesthood. Utilizing the examples and teachings of the saints, Fr. Ezra explores how "fathers of souls" should shepherd their flocks with God's self-giving authority and why the Church needs strong, masculine priests to form her children on the road to Heaven. You will learn how to foster devotion to God the Father, how Our Lady is crucial for the sanctification of priests, why St. Joseph is a priest's model, and how to employ the angels and the saints to intercede for priests. You will be heartened as you see how Abraham's spiritual fatherhood reveals the spiritual fruitfulness of God and His priests. You will also learn about the Pelagian temptation and how those who overwork are more susceptible to it; ways to overcome "functionalism" and worldly concerns; and why the Holy Eucharist and administering the sacraments devoutly are central to a priest's identity. Additionally, you will gather spiritual and practical tips on attaining union with the Holy Spirit to avoid "Christian Stoicism" and "spiritual adultery", and you will gain a new appreciation for how priests were raised to a supernatural dignity by virtue of their ordination to act in persona Christi. Alter Christus squarely looks at common pitfalls of priestly sin, shows how a priest can arm himself for the spiritual battle, and gives tips on how to avoid the trap of self-deprecation or despair over one's sins. You will discover how prayer is necessary for union with Christ and a shield from evil; and how a priest's prayer helps to accomplish God's plan for saving the world. Other absorbing, practical topics covered by Fr. Ezra

Genres: Catholic

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2022

About the author

Fr. Ezra Sullivan O.P. is a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Joseph.

Reviews

[Maester Prolog · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end, this book was inspirational for any priest old or young and seminarians. I will be encouraging other priests I know to read it as well.

[Rico · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is explicitly for priests, there is a great deal that is applicable to Catholic fathers and should be read by them.