| 'I've been calling you; will you listen? Will you just come and try this? Come and see.' Thomas Kunkel's book 'Enormous Prayers: A Journey into the Priesthood' follows 28 men in their journeys in becoming Roman Catholic priests. These men serve all different kinds of parishes and missions, from inner city parishes to desolate reaches. Some are younger, some are older. While all have a basic seminary education, academic interests are also wide-ranging. One (Father William Jenkins) even serves as 'flying priest' for the Society of St. Pius V, a small order of priests who reject the changes of Vatican II and who hold to more traditional forms, in particular the Tridentine form of Mass. This group, not officially sanctioned but not excommunicated either, walk the fine line of staying faithful yet being distant (it must be remembered that at various times in church history major groups, for example, the Jesuits, have been 'outside' the official structure of the church yet remained part and later were brought back into full participation). He flies regularly throughout the midwest to serve traditional parishes and congregations. The story of Father James Conner follows the story of a priest who is also a monastic, in a remote Trappist monastery in Missouri. Like many of the stories, this is one of transition, from older practices to newer, less strict observances, yet finding a way to remain faithful to the past and to the spirit in what has come to be the accepted regime. Conner spent several years as Thomas Merton's assistant when first coming to the Trappists (at Gethsemani in Kentucky). Daniel Leary, not yet a priest at the publication of this book, talks of his discernment process and education, as well as the relationships he had with family and friends in coming to this decision. And it talks about his hopes and fears, what may come to pass and what may be different from the seminary environment, which can never fully prepare anyone for the parish-based experience. Perhaps my favourite quote in the book, and one that helps guide my ministry, is this, by Father William Dietsch: 'The Church must put a premium on involving the laity in active ministry. Priests should increasingly spend their time being ministers to ministers, he believes. "I really think priests ought to work like they're working themselves out of a job."' This book is a very intimate look at what it means to be a priest in the lives of these men. It does not attempt to tackle the bigger issues of church politics and philosophy. We occasionally get a personal view, and perhaps even some explanation, but for the most part, the narrative steers clear of these so as to not cloud the meaning of the experiences being told. In the conclusion of the book, Kunkel talks about a few issues that face all of them, particularly, trying to discern what a call is, which is an ever-growing process (it doesn't stop at ordination). 'A few seemed to comprehend their destiny from childhood, and who can say why? Most, however, didn't consider a vocation until years later and then weren't certain about it. Some were unsure even as they took their vows, and I suppose it's possible one or two harbour doubts even now. As for thunderbolts, they would seem rare. As seminarian Dan Leary put it, the "calling" is more often like the insistent buzz of a mosquito. The point it, it would be infinitely easier to commit to such a difficult life in response to a clear divine instruction. But when you are not sure, it amounts to the ultimate leap of faith.' |
| I was disappointed with this book. I was hoping for more of who the men being profiled really were. Too often the author/interviewer seemed satisfied with an outline of the priests' accomplishments and best jokes. Priests are public figures in a sense and so they have a public persona. I wished the author had probed deeper. The book explains a lot of what is going on in American Catholicism today including the problems and, in particular, the challenges to the reputations of priests. There was a bit too much unnecessary background and context for this reader who was born and raised Catholic. Over the course of the book, the author's conservative leanings become apparent. He talks to one or two priests who might be progressive but if those priests were ever truly candid about hopes for a renewed church of the future, we don't hear it. The profile that speaks the most about the author's views comes near the end. It is of a priest in Cincinnati who runs an active "tradtional" parish - with only the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass. Why did the author include this profile -- of a priest out of communion with Rome -- and not include a profile of a married priest in, perhaps, the American Catholic Church or some other equally outlawed rite? I'm glad to have read this book but did not get all I was hoping for. |
| Tom Kunkel has created a well rounded, yet penetrating look into the Roman Catholic priesthood today. He does this by briefly examining the situation, ministry, and character of a series of priests across the U.S., whom he personally interviewed. Although his portrait is sympathetic, in the best sense of that term, he and the men he interviews do not shy away from discussing the difficulties and scandals that have sometimes impaired, sometimes strengthened the priesthood as an institution and the specific men who comprise it. Mr. Kunkel never loses sight of the personal impact, though, and even an ex-Catholic (like myself) or a non-Catholic (like my wife) can't help but rooting for these men and for the good they are trying to do in the world. If you are a priest, if you know of a priest, or if you have ever heard of a priest, you will be glad you read this book! |
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