The relationship between the diocesan bishop and the priest from spiritual perspective

Abstract

This review article analyses, in the light of contemporary Church documents and through the prism of practice, the fundamental relationship between the diocesan bishop and the priest. In three parts, it approaches and analyses the meaning of this hierarchical relationship, which is threatened on the one hand by paternalism and juridicism and on the other hand, in turn, by an unwillingness to build a deeper than collegial relationship. At the same time, the article encourages, in the light of a double motivation to strengthen the relationship of the presbyterium with the bishop: the first motivation isan ontological-sacramental and the second one motivation has a historical-ecclesial nature. Both these motivations make possible, that the obedience in the hierarchical relationship is also rationally supported and does not stand only on human sympathies.