True and False Reform in the Church by Cardinal Yves Congar

Translation by Paul Philibert, OP

Archbishop Angelo Roncalli (later Pope John XXIII) read True and False Reform during his years as papal nuncio in France and asked, “A reform of the church—is such a thing really possible?” A decade later as pope, he opened the Second Vatican Council by describing its goals in terms that reflected Congar's description of authentic reform: reform that penetrates to the heart of doctrine as a message of salvation for the whole of humanity, that retrieves the meaning of prophecy in a living church, and that is deeply rooted in history rather than superficially related to the apostolic tradition. Pope John called the council not to reform heresy nor to denounce errors, but to update the church's capacity to explain itself to the world and to revitalize ecclesial life in all its unique local manifestations. Congar’s masterpiece fills in the blanks of what we have been missing in our reception of the council and its call to “true reform.”

Yves Congar, OP, a French Dominican who died in 1995, was the most important ecclesiologist in modern times. His writings and his active participation in Vatican II had an immense influence upon the council documents. With a few other contemporaries, Congar pioneered a new style of theological research and writing that linked the great tradition of scripture and the Fathers to contemporary pastoral questions with lucidity and passion. His key concerns were the unity of the church, lay apostolic life, and a revival of the church’s theology of the Holy Spirit. He was created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in recognition of his profound contributions to the Second Vatican Council.

At the Heart of Christian Worship: Liturgical Essays of Yves Congar

Translated and edited by Paul Philibert, OP

Cardinal Yves Congar is universally known and respected as the great ecclesiologist of Vatican II whose seminal ideas helped to reconfigure the landscape of Catholic theology following the council. Less well known is his role in contributing far-reaching insights to the emerging liturgical movement in the church. This collection represents several of Congar's decisive contributions. Reading them makes possible a deeper and more cogent reception of the key ideas of the council documents. These texts are at once both erudite and exciting, both essential and pastorally incisive. There has never been a better time to disseminate these critically important liturgical insights than the present moment.
Timothy Radcliffe, OP, writes: “These essays combine immense erudition with arguments that are accessible to the non-specialist. They offer a rare combination of passion and precision, and they are at least as relevant today as when they were first published.”

The Priesthood of the Faithful: Key to a Living Church
by Paul J. Philibert, OP

The New Testament describes the baptized as a “holy priesthood” and “a priestly people.” Vatican II clearly taught that the baptized become “a holy priesthood.” Their personal fidelity and lives led in loving obedience to the Gospel become “spiritual sacrifices” offered along with the body of the Lord in the Eucharist. The Priesthood of the Faithful explores this key doctrine of Christian faith and examines its significance for the spiritual growth and revitalization of the church. It focuses on the prophetic, pastoral, and priestly roles of the faithful with the aim of helping people experience their own lives as the fruitful blossoming of Christ’s grace in the world.

Stewards of God's Mysteries: Priestly Spirituality in a Changing Church
by Paul J. Philibert, OP

Priests are stewards of God's mysteries. They teach these mysteries as merciful revelation, celebrate them in the liturgy, invoke them as healing and pardon, and above all, live them as the deepest meaning of their own lives. But it is one mystery—the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ—that shapes and sustains priests’ spiritual lives.

Stewards of God’s Mysteries considers how priests participate in the dying and rising of their Lord through challenges and joys that are rooted in our changing culture, in the growing diversity of our Catholic world, and in the demands of their own ministry. Designed as a study text addressing the life of both diocesan and religious clergy, these pages contain reflection questions for priests and clergy study groups to help them experience deeper joy in their lives and ministry.

Aquinas and His Role in Theology
by Paul J. Philibert, OP, Translator

In Aquinas and His Role in Theology, Marie Dominique Chenu provides a lively and representative overview of the life and writings of the thirteenth-century theologian whom many consider to be the greatest master of Catholic religious thought.

A rich explanation of the prolific and versatile books of Aquinas follows the story of his life's journey through the heart of Europe in the high Middle Ages. Chenu also portrays the religious and spiritual personality of Aquinas, showing how his typically systematic theology is rooted in personal contemplative roots and a passion for pastoral preaching.