Dear Father

When Catherine Doherty was still a child, she offered her life for priests. Dear Father reveals her profound understanding of the essence of the ordained priesthood. It is an impassioned plea to priests to recognize Christ’s presence within them as their deepest identity.

First published in 1979, the expanded edition of this classic is now in its 6th printing and is recommended for all priests and seminarians.

French: Lettre d’amour aux prêtres

Publisher: Madonna House Publications

Year Published: 2001

Edition: 3rd ed.

SKU: 9780921440765

ISBN: 978-0-921440-76-5

Product Size: 5.5″ x 8.25″

Pages: 138 pages

“Catherine’s love for the priesthood radiates through her writings…. Her growing awareness of the powerful grace of priesthood and its clear identity in Christ are so necessary for priests and for the world today. In these days, we are acutely aware of the humanity of our priests, as indeed Catherine was; but her words suggest that she saw more deeply into the tremendous grace that is priesthood. I encourage everyone to read her book, especially priests.” — Father Stephen J. Rossetti, Ph.D., D.Min., President, St. Luke Institute

“I have read your love letter, Dear Father, in one sitting. You know, my first mission as a newly ordained priest was hard. I really felt I had nothing. Complete emptiness…. I was desperate but said, ‘Lord, you are the source of your priest’s life and strength. Give me what you think I need.’ Dear Father was his answer!” — a letter to Catherine from a priest in Africa