Imsejhin ghall-qadi tal-komunita` Nisranija permezz tal-ministeru sacerdotali

Abstract

The article focuses upon the call to service through the exercise of the priestly ministry. The point of departure of the study is the Johannine pericope which describes the washing of the disciples' feet by Jesus (Jn 13:1-20). The article describes how the celebration of the liturgy is a fount of vocations to the ordained ministry. The author then studies three documents of the Second Vatican Council -- Optatam Totius, Presbyterorum Ordinis and Christus Dominus -- in order to depict the centrality of service to priestly ministry. A number of evocative texts are referred to, as well as formation documents from the local Church of Malta. Furthermore, the respective contributions of Bishop Tonino Bello, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis are also given pride of place, as more light is thrown on the theme of the article.