PREFACE

From the earliest days of the Church until our own day many worthy writers have written on the gift and mystery of the priesthood.

Obviously I am indebted to them.

These reflections have come both from my years in parish ministry and my years living, as I do now, the hidden life of an urban hermit and servant of the poor in a local soup kitchen.
To my brother priests: in some little way I pray these words will help rekindle within you the joy of our immense vocation.
To all men and women who may read this: pray for your priests.

Fr. Arthur Joseph
1ST Sunday of Lent 2011
St. Padre Pio Hermitage