He does not exploit the Word of God

The true priest is a man of genuine, profound, continuous prayer; wholly of God but, for this reason, a true Father to all. He is fruitful, recognizing and valuing gifts and charisms. The more faithfully he lives his celibacy, the more fruitful he becomes. He loves the confessional, lives simply, does not take himself too seriously, and is present in his time. His homilies are essential. He does not exploit the Word of God. In what he says, you perceive life, not the appearance of wisdom from one who studies a lot but is not humbly listening to God.

By the grace of God, I have encountered two such priests. Both possess the wisdom of the elderly today, but they were so even in their youth. They are two Franciscan friars, one in his nineties, the other over a hundred. I met the younger one when I was still in formation. He was the community’s confessor, which is is now my spiritual father. He is a person who makes you feel welcomed, never judged, and loved. He listens. He has helped me grow even when he did not agree with me. I believe this is fundamental. For me, it is.

by Mirella Soro
Dominican, Monastery of St Mary of the Snow and St Dominic, Pratovecchio Stia (Arezzo)