Menggali Makna Imamat, Doa, dan Selibat Kristiani

Abstract

Priesthood is one of the known forms of apostolic ministry in the Church since decades of centuries ago. Its presence now, especially after the Second Vatican Council, when the number of priests around the world declines, has been talked about quite lengthy especially in the European countries and the United States undergoing secularisation. In the countries discussions were conducted and some solutions were offered, among others, that the Church needs to ordain women and to allow the priests to marry. But the (Catholic) Church remains with its traditional establishment: the priest needs to be celibate. What has been the reason? This is the point of exploration of this article. Talking about this subject is quite rare in the public sphere, moreover in important and urgent occasions. The point is quite simple: adding to the understanding and appreciation of the sublime dignity of celibacy for the service in the ecclesial life, especially in the present day. What will be seen: the roads to holiness in the Church and the wider realm of reference to apprehend this form of service. What will be discussed: who is apriest, by looking at itsstanding in the past and in the present day, and the essential call to the ministry as a Eucharistic minister, which will be described by highlighting the lifestyle uncovered in the spiritual framework the priest must build, i.e., prayer and celibacy/chastity.