The Eucharistic perspective of the ministerial priesthood in John Paul II

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the Eucharistic perspective of the ministerial priesthood in John Paul II, with specific reference to his actual writings. For this reason, an analysis and evaluation of John Paul II's views in the light of the writings of post conciliar theologians is beyond the aim of this critique. The research is organised into three major categories: the vocation to the ministerial priesthood (chapter 2), the priest's identity (chapter 3) and the priest's ministry and holiness (chapter 4). The Pope's thought in its continuity with his pre-papal writings, and his general approach to philosophy-theology, is contextualised in the first chapter. This section serves as a basic background to the Holy Father's thought. In this dissertation, numerous works of John Paul II are mentioned. Therefore, certain references are located in the main text, in the form of abbreviations.