The Changing Face of the Priesthood: A Reflection on the Priest's Crisis of Soul

There are many problems facing the Catholic priesthood today - one could speak of a crisis. Silence and denial are the usual clerical responses to the issues. Donald Cozzens has taken the road of speaking out honestly. That will be resented by many and seen as betrayal by some. But Cozzens clearly loves the priesthood and the priests who at great cost to themselves have done and will continue to do enormous good. As a former diocesan and seminary administrator, a counselor, priest, and teacher of pastoral theology and psychology, one who has been reflecting for the last twenty years on the challenges facing the modern priest, he deserves to be heard. The real hope for the future rests on facing the challenges and issues squarely, and on taking an unblinking look at what threatens the integrity and mission of priests today. His topics include priestly identity, integrity, celibacy and intimacy, psychological complexes, maturity, preaching, homosexuality, pedophilia, and a hopeful look toward the future. The press has focused on the sexual issues, but the need for personal integrity is perhaps more basic. It was undoubtedly a painful book to write and can be painful book to read, but ultimately its honesty about the issues and its affirmation of the priesthood give hope. His adapting of Freud's Oedipal Complex to analyze priestly psychology may be his most original contribution but the one to which particular objection will probably be made. This is a well written and important book for anyone concerned with the future of the Catholic clergy.

How unfortunate it is that the institutional Church insists on placing new wine (the aggiornamento of Vatican II) into old wineskins (structures of power and control). The skins will burst and everything --wine and skins-- will be lost. Father Cozzens' book identifies the "old wineskins" of today's institutional Church and points to where the seams are starting to come apart: formation of priests, the exercise of authority and the crisis of credibility. The many priests (and others) who can attest to this book's veracity and insights make this book a work which must be taken very seriously, discussed and responded to in concrete ways.

Father Cozzens is highly qualified to write this book. He has a doctorate in psychology and decades of experience as a priest, vicar of clergy, and seminary rector. What he has given us is a courageous and unblinking analysis of the crises of the American priesthood. The tone is consistently respectful and by no means is this to be understood as an attack on the Church. He never engages in hopelessness and hand-wringing or in bitter critique of the hierarchy. Each presentation of the problems facing the priesthood (the identify confusion, psychological/developmental problems, sexual misconduct) is accompanied by hopeful commentary on how to address these problems. Every priest, every bishop, and every serious Catholic should read this fine book.

Father Cozzens, as Priest, Vicar (counsellor) to priests, and Seminary Rector has an excellent vantage point from which to view the priesthood, its history, its strengths and its challenges. Rather than opt for "company man" status, Father Cozzens has taken the road less travelled, and provides a courageous look at the challenges facing the modern priest. In so doing he no doubt will cause a good deal of discomfort among those who prefer not to see reality. His purpose is to improve the everyday life of the Catholic Priest and in so doing to improve the Catholic Church. He comes at the subject out of love, and as one who speaks from within. A very powerful book.

Father Donald Cozzens' book is an extremely honest and intellectual insight into today's priesthood. He shows much courage in opening doors that many are afriad of even in this day and age. It encourages all to be openminded and reflective and to not be afraid of honest discussions. This book should be read by all Catholics for it not only shows us the realities of our Church but also mirrors a wonderful way to view ourselves as laity and married persons.