Christ: The Ideal of the Priest (Paperback)

~ Columba Marmion (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The great spiritual writer, Fr. Columba Marmion, wrote this classic work on the priesthood to show the holiness that priests are called to, and how that holiness can only be attained through close union with, and imitation of, Jesus Christ. While aimed at the clergy, this profound spiritual work will also be of immense inspiration for laity in coming to a deeper understanding of the true nature and calling of the priesthood.

Echoing the thought and writing of St. Paul, Marmion stresses that the priestly life must be dominated by Christ and in constant dependence on His merits, His grace and His activity in the soul of the priest. In all his actions, in the sacred acts of worship, the administration of the sacraments, private prayer and devotions, and serving the various needs of his flock, Marmion says the priest must always see himself as the minister of the Savior, as Alter Christus.

Product Details

• Paperback: 398 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press (October 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586170147
• ISBN-13: 978-1586170141
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #494,949 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good spiritual fare for clergy, October 24, 2008

By	Eaganbanker - See all my reviews

This volume this seems to be a compiled book- i.e.not penned by Blessed Columba Marmion himself. It was compiled by a very thorough follower years after his death (1952) from notes the Abbot gave at retreats for priests/ seminarians. Even so, it bears the beatified Abbot's inimitable stamp- his singular focus on our patrimony in Jesus Christ.

The book lacks the complex organization and tight argumentation which characterized the other two volumes actually published during Marmion's lifetime under his own direction. However, it makes up for this in its very usefulness.

If you are a Catholic seminarian or priest, then this book will be a helpful addition to your bedside reading. In my experience, Marmion is always best when digested in small sections, mulled over at length.

If you like this volume, then you will probably also enjoy "Christ, the Life of the Soul" and "Christ, the Ideal of the Monk." Like this book, the former has been reprinted recently. The latter, however, has yet to be re-issued. I found my 1920's era copy in my monastery's library. I would suspect that you could find a copy (or several!) almost any place where monks hung out in the years between the two world wars.

The only disadvantage to these earlier printings, other than somewhat quaint churchly English, is that they lack the helpful notes of a modern translator. In the two re-issued works, the translator sometimes takes on the task of interpreting in footnotes some of Marmion's pre-Vatican II statements about theological/ doctrinal issues whose nuances have been clarified by developments subsequent to Marmion's seminal work. However, whether in modern translations or ancient, or in their original form, Marmion's words ring of Truth and Beauty and lead us to the Good.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic work for any priest, January 25, 2008

By	Rev. Gary L. Coulter (Lincoln, NE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would recommend buying this as a gift for any Catholic priest or seminarian. Containing more than just a solid theology of the priesthood, it also has incredible advice and practical tips for growing in virtue and better carrying out our priestly duties (e.g. the excellent chapters on the Eucharist and The Divine Office). Abbot Marmion was Beatified on Sept. 3, 2000.

5.0 out of 5 stars Christ the Ideal of the Priest, September 12, 2009

By	sr. marie therese - See all my reviews

Excellent book. I highly recommend it to all Priests, particularly during this year of the priest.