Priests should cultivate serenity, live for others, Pope says
November 20, 2015
A priest should be a “man of peace,” Pope Francis said in a November 20 address to a conference on priestly training, sponsored by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy.
A priest should live in serenity, and encourage others to do the same, the Pontiff said. “It is not normal for a priest to be often sad, nervous, or of a hard character. It is not good, and does not good—neither for the priest nor for his people.”
Strong formation in character is essential for priests, the Pope said. For that formation, he said, the “fundamental place” is the home, and healthy family life is the best way to foster priestly vocations.
The Holy Father went on to say that priests are called to serve others. “We are not priests for our own sake,” he said, “and our sanctification is closely linked to that of our people.” For that reason, he said, a priest cannot look upon his work as an ordinary job, in which he can finish his duties and then take time off for himself.
The priesthood is a vocation rather than a job, and priests should be driven by their love for their people, the Pope said. “They are not philanthropists or functionaries, but fathers and brothers.”
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