Eucharystyczny kształt duchowości kapłańskiej

Abstract

In his Letter to priests for Maundy Thursday dated March 13, 2005, John Paul II, being well aware of his abruptly deteriorating health, felt a strong desire to share the mystery of his priesthood. In the foreword he says: “If the whole Church is alive thanks to the Eucharist, there are special reasons for priestly life to take the Eucharistic shape. For us the words of institution must be more than a formula of consecration: they must be a formula of life” (No. 1). Contemplating these words the pope is showing the elements of a priestly spirituality which should shape our lives. Based on the said letter and Novo millennio ineunte, which in a sense is the background of the letter to priests, this article elaborates the theme focusing on the description of institution of the Eucharist. The Author intends to show that for priests the words: “This is My Body,” “Take this, all of you, and eat it, do this in memory of me,” not only are a formula shaping their Christian and priestly life, but they may become a unique methodology shaping their priestly identity.