Since the end of Vatican II, in 1965, more active involvement of the laity has led many people to wonder about the priest’s place in the Church.
In this masterful work, theologian Jean Galot, S.J., clarifies the nature of the priesthood. He explains how the Jewish priesthood, the perfect priestly ministry of Jesus, and the role of the Twelve help us understand the ministerial priesthood. He considers how the “priesthood of the faithful” and the ministerial priesthood relate to each other, and how the latter is, by God’s design, necessary for the former.

Theology of the Priesthood carefully examines the priest’s role as minister of sacrifice and the sacraments, prophet of the Word, and leader of the Church. These and other aspects are summed up, according to Galot, in the priest’s ministry as shepherd. This ministery is itself a sharing in Jesus’ role as Shepherd.