Rev. David Songy, OFM Cap., speaks with second-year men about the importance of spiritual direction in deepening and enriching their understanding of priestly love and celibacy.
Conformed to the Image of the Son: Priestly Identity in Christ DAVID NOWICKI ‘24, DIOCESE OF LA CROSSE
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ne of the most popular phrases when speaking of the priesthood is that the priest acts in persona Christi Capitis—in the person of Christ the Head. It is an excellent description; in fact, it is one that the Catechism of the Catholic Church supplies. But what exactly is the identity of the priest, and how does this inform his ministry? Every September, the second-year class explores this question in a workshop dedicated to priestly identity. For a week, we examine the images of the priest as Spiritual Father, Chaste Spouse, Divine
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The Pontifical North American College
Physician, Friend of the Bridegroom, and Good Shepherd. It is indispensable to our future ministry to understand and take up these roles of Christ the High Priest. How can we love the Church with an undivided heart if we cannot see the priest as the Chaste Spouse to whom the Church has been espoused? Or how can we bring the mercy of Christ to parishioners in the Sacrament of Reconciliation if we attempt to do so without the patient and loving care of the Divine Physician? I was most struck by the identity of the Good Shepherd. Most, if not all of us, will become pastors—literally
shepherds—of a flock of the People of God. Being a shepherd is not a business of great personal accolades. At times, it can even bring danger to the shepherd. But just as the Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, the priest gives his life to the parish out of love. I entered seminary with a particular image of the priest, but these priestly identities have expanded it to something much greater—something closer to Christ’s image of the priest. Through the workshop on priestly identity, my “yes” has grown to include a deeper understanding of the life to which the Lord has called me. n
