Mettere ordine nella teologia del sacramento dell’ordine

Abstract

This article presents the theology of the sacrament of orders, collecting style and contents in ten “thesis”. The development of these themes is inspired by the Second Vatican Council. The hermeneutic principle the several activities of ministers condense around, is a steady attention to the Church communion, in memory of the Apostles. The different chapters of ministers’ life (spirituality, pastoral charge, celibacy, the words used to describe it) are examined according to this unifying principle, which also acts as a check of the pastoral service to all God’s people.