Priestly Identity: Crisis and Renewal (Part 2)
Interview With Father David Toups
Used With permission zenit.org
By Annamarie Adkins
WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Prayer and a deep spiritual life are necessary elements for priests facing the challenges of being overworked, discouraged or alone, says Father David Toups.
In this interview with ZENIT, Father Toups comments on the challenges of the priesthood, along with the six principles of priestly renewal.
Q 1: "Reclaiming Our Priestly Character" lays out six principles for renewing the priesthood in general, as well as the life of each priest. Can you briefly describe each principle?
Q 2: Do your recommendations apply equally to diocesan priests and those priests in religious orders?
Q 3: What are some of the biggest difficulties priests face today?
Q 4: What are, or have been, some of the major impediments to fostering the “doctrine of the priestly character”? How can seminaries and bishops remove these impediments and help priests foster happy and healthy lives?


