Originally released in May of 1963 to a worldwide audience, this classic work of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has been re-published for many to enjoy once again for years to com e. The Priest Is Not His Own The Priest Is Not His Own is far more than a book for priests or those considering the priesthood as a vocation. In these penetrating, deeply pondered discussions of the priesthood, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has produced a work of lasting value, a book that will perhaps change many hundreds of lives, and certainly a book that will also interest readers who have no direct concern with the priesthood as a calling. Inspiration for this volume came while Archbishop Sheen was writing his famed Life of Christ, and it was out of those "dark days," as he describes them, that the thoughts of priesthood, illumined by the vision of Christ the Saviour, were first formulated. Just as the earlier work was based on the thesis that Christ offered no other sacrifice but Himself, so in this new book, Archbishop Sheen envisages the priest as a man sacrificing himself in the prolongation of Christ's Incarnation. Archbishop Sheen writes of how all priests, whether pagan or in the Old Testament, offered victims distinct from themselves, such as lambs. But in Christ and the Christian conception, priest and victim are united inseparably. Drawing on his profound knowledge of Scripture, Archbishop Sheen is able to describe the exact and true significance of the individual priest, and in vibrant detail, his constant, unending sacrifice — as victim. He writes, "God still thunders to his priests: I have set watchmen, Jerusalem, upon thy walls, that shall never cease crying aloud, day or night; you that keep the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, nor let Him rest either…. (Isaiah 62:6,7) "Watchmen are we," adds Archbishop Sheen, "who have been put on the walls of the Church by the High Priest... What we are, the Church is, and what the Church is, the world is. .. Night and day, giving God no rest, we will utter over and over again: I dedicate myself for their sakes, that they too may be dedicated through the truth." (John 17:19) In considering the priest's many obligations and roles, and his ever more gratifying fulfilment of them, Archbishop Sheen has created a series of unsurpassed meditations and presents a very concrete guide to the many ways in which each priest can enrich his own spiritual life, as well as the lives of all those around him. Archbishop Sheen brings the life of the Priesthood of Christ in terms of sacrifice, suffering, and vindication. The depth of his teaching of what a priest "is," and not what a priest "does," is crystal clear. Sheen's ability to speak of deep subjects directly, yet with poetic beauty, is mesmerizing. Since God is calling all men to live lives of service to others, the need to build up an army of future priests is essential. With the help of these unsurpassed meditations as a guide, young men, husbands, and fathers will be better equipped to take on the roles and duties of either the sacramental priesthood within the church, or as in many cases, the domestic priesthood found in service to the family and in the home. The Priest Is Not His Own is the work of a great and beloved inspirational leader — a world-famous priest himself writing eloquently and insistently to his colleagues and to those who would join him in a calling he understands and has most brilliantly realized. Archbishop Sheen, A Modern Saint Always so profound and articulate. If all priests and those exploring religious vocations would read this book and take it to heart, the Church would be truly blessed with incredible shepherds ready to take on the world. Lay people will also benefit from this book, letting them know the awesome responsibility needed to be one of Christ's shepherds and what is required of them in return. Start reading one of Archbishop's books and you will not stop until you have devoured them all. Sheen at His Best This book is simply exceptional and one which every priest and seminarian should read, as well as each layman. The standard that a priest must meet is high. This book outlines the path to holiness in ministry, only by God's grace. Should be required reading before deciding to become a priest This is a remarkable read, and should be a pre-requisite for young men who think they may have a vocation. I would recommend this to every young man who thinks he hears God's whisper. The laity should read it to realize the true sacrifice of the priesthood.