The Diocesan Priest is a must read for those involved in the formation of candidates for the ministerial priesthood, and it belongs on every seminarian’s bookshelf. Msgr. Bohr is deserving of praise for giving us such a fine synthetic treatment of key considerations connected to that office in the Church by which men are called to be and live and serve in persona Christi capitis.
Msgr. Robert J. Batule, Adjunct Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Seat of Wisdom
The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent is a scholarly analysis of the modern Catholic priest by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, as he discusses the priesthood since the Second Vatican Council all those years ago. . . . [This] is an intriguing read and insightful read for anyone curious on the lives of the priesthood.
The Midwest Book Review
The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent provides a thorough presentation of the historical and theological dimensions of the Catholic priesthood and is a welcome and valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding more profoundly what it means to be a priest. This study should certainly be part of any seminary formation program. Monsignor David Bohr clearly exhibits not only his expertise on the subject but also his devotion to the formation of priests from his many years as a faculty member and seminary rector.
Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, STD, Archbishop of Washington
Monsignor Bohr’s years of work in priestly formation are evident in his description of the actual concerns of an often divided American presbyterate. He argues for a reappraisal of what diocesan priests are after demonstrating, with a rich historical sweep, what diocesan priests are not: not monks, not specially trained laypersons, not a merely cultic functionaries, but men indelibly deputed to build up communion within the priestly people of God. Tradition teaches that diocesan priests first of all proclaim the Good News of reconciliation. Humble and solicitous like the Good Shepherd, priests seek out both those who know Christ’s voice and those who have yet to hear it, and theirs, Bohr notes, is the first word in the history of Christianity: ‘Rejoice! Then they celebrate that Word become flesh together with their people, empowering them to move from missa to mission.’ Bohr notes that celibate priests should learn to enjoy communion in their own lives as well, cultivating the affective
Msgr. Bohr's wisdom, gained during many years of experience in seminary formation, brings to life the historical and theological research contained in this important work. Informative and well-written, this book will be of great help to seminarians, priests, seminary formation personnel, and all those seeking a deeper understanding of and love for the diocesan priesthood.
Rev. Richard J. Gabuzda, Executive Director, The Institute for Priestly Formation
With a compelling blend of practical insight and serious theological reflection upon the developing understanding of the ministerial priesthood from its Apostolic roots in the New Testament, Monsignor David Bohr has used his own twenty years of experience in priestly formation to produce a praiseworthy study of what Pope John Paul II described as the 'gift and mystery' of diocesan priesthood. Each chapter of this work reveals Monsignor Bohr’s profound love for and understanding of priestly office and priestly men. A book of this kind promotes authentic, sound, and solid doctrine in an effort to advance a theological study of diocesan priests ordained to be co-sharers with the bishops in continuing the apostolic mission of preaching, sanctifying, and shepherding Christ’s flock. Monsignor Bohr has provided a rich and detailed theological reflection that should prove to be of special interest to all those involved in priestly formation.
Monsignor Aloysius
Msgr. Bohr has truly done a great favor for all seminarians and priests in writing The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent. Msgr. Bohr provides a theological reflection that is well grounded in the Biblical text, while being deeply attentive to the historical development of the Church’s understanding of the diocesan priesthood. This book will be a great help for priests and seminarians trying to understand the priesthood as it is experienced in the years following the Second Vatican Council. In particular, Msgr. Bohr provides a profound theological reflection on the particular charism of the diocesan priest as it is lived out in relation to the baptismal priesthood of the lay faithful and their mission in the world. The theological insight of The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent is certainly the fruit of Msgr. Bohr’s extensive experience of the diocesan priesthood. It is a book that is most relevant for the Church of today.
Philip A. Smith, Semi
Monsignor David Bohr has written a scholarly and enjoyable work concerning the diocesan priesthood. Relying on his experience as a seminary rector and diocesan director of pastoral formation in his home diocese of Scranton and his formidable experience as Academic Dean at the North American College in Rome, Monsignor Bohr writes with academic style and grace. He has produced a book that is packed with pertinent, factual, and relevant material for priests, those contemplating priesthood, and for all those interested in the history, development, and current situation concerning the diocesan priesthood. A great read.
Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan, OFM Conv, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Diocesan Priest is a must read for those involved in the formation of candidates for the ministerial priesthood, and it belongs on every seminarian’s bookshelf. Msgr. Bohr is deserving of praise for giving us such a fine synthetic treatment of key considerations connected to that office in the Church by which men are called to be and live and serve in persona Christi capitis.
Msgr. Robert J. Batule, Adjunct Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Seat of Wisdom
The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent is a scholarly analysis of the modern Catholic priest by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, as he discusses the priesthood since the Second Vatican Council all those years ago. . . . [This] is an intriguing read and insightful read for anyone curious on the lives of the priesthood.
The Midwest Book Review
The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent provides a thorough presentation of the historical and theological dimensions of the Catholic priesthood and is a welcome and valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding more profoundly what it means to be a priest. This study should certainly be part of any seminary formation program. Monsignor David Bohr clearly exhibits not only his expertise on the subject but also his devotion to the formation of priests from his many years as a faculty member and seminary rector.
Most Reverend Donald W. Wuerl, STD, Archbishop of Washington
Monsignor Bohr’s years of work in priestly formation are evident in his description of the actual concerns of an often divided American presbyterate. He argues for a reappraisal of what diocesan priests are after demonstrating, with a rich historical sweep, what diocesan priests are not: not monks, not specially trained laypersons, not a merely cultic functionaries, but men indelibly deputed to build up communion within the priestly people of God. Tradition teaches that diocesan priests first of all proclaim the Good News of reconciliation. Humble and solicitous like the Good Shepherd, priests seek out both those who know Christ’s voice and those who have yet to hear it, and theirs, Bohr notes, is the first word in the history of Christianity: ‘Rejoice! Then they celebrate that Word become flesh together with their people, empowering them to move from missa to mission.’ Bohr notes that celibate priests should learn to enjoy communion in their own lives as well, cultivating the affective
Msgr. Bohr's wisdom, gained during many years of experience in seminary formation, brings to life the historical and theological research contained in this important work. Informative and well-written, this book will be of great help to seminarians, priests, seminary formation personnel, and all those seeking a deeper understanding of and love for the diocesan priesthood.
Rev. Richard J. Gabuzda, Executive Director, The Institute for Priestly Formation
With a compelling blend of practical insight and serious theological reflection upon the developing understanding of the ministerial priesthood from its Apostolic roots in the New Testament, Monsignor David Bohr has used his own twenty years of experience in priestly formation to produce a praiseworthy study of what Pope John Paul II described as the 'gift and mystery' of diocesan priesthood. Each chapter of this work reveals Monsignor Bohr’s profound love for and understanding of priestly office and priestly men. A book of this kind promotes authentic, sound, and solid doctrine in an effort to advance a theological study of diocesan priests ordained to be co-sharers with the bishops in continuing the apostolic mission of preaching, sanctifying, and shepherding Christ’s flock. Monsignor Bohr has provided a rich and detailed theological reflection that should prove to be of special interest to all those involved in priestly formation.
Monsignor Aloysius
Msgr. Bohr has truly done a great favor for all seminarians and priests in writing The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent. Msgr. Bohr provides a theological reflection that is well grounded in the Biblical text, while being deeply attentive to the historical development of the Church’s understanding of the diocesan priesthood. This book will be a great help for priests and seminarians trying to understand the priesthood as it is experienced in the years following the Second Vatican Council. In particular, Msgr. Bohr provides a profound theological reflection on the particular charism of the diocesan priest as it is lived out in relation to the baptismal priesthood of the lay faithful and their mission in the world. The theological insight of The Diocesan Priest: Consecrated and Sent is certainly the fruit of Msgr. Bohr’s extensive experience of the diocesan priesthood. It is a book that is most relevant for the Church of today.
Philip A. Smith, Semi
Monsignor David Bohr has written a scholarly and enjoyable work concerning the diocesan priesthood. Relying on his experience as a seminary rector and diocesan director of pastoral formation in his home diocese of Scranton and his formidable experience as Academic Dean at the North American College in Rome, Monsignor Bohr writes with academic style and grace. He has produced a book that is packed with pertinent, factual, and relevant material for priests, those contemplating priesthood, and for all those interested in the history, development, and current situation concerning the diocesan priesthood. A great read.
Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan, OFM Conv, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee