of a Religious priest. Therefore the means of arriving at spiritual perfection are of necessity different.

The Concept of the Diocesan Priesthood develops this teaching in the light of what theology has to say about the nature and functions of the local Church itself. Thus it explains the need for learning and of spiritual perfection in the diocesan priesthood, not merely by reason of the demands of the power of Holy Orders, but in the light of the requirements of the diocesan presbyterium.

Priests and seminarians will find in Father Fenton's book not only a source of knowledge on their own vocation but also a wellspring of inspiration.

The Author

At present, editor of American Ecclesiastical Review, Father Fenton has written numerous books and articles on Catholic apologetics and theology. A member of the Catholic University faculty of sacred theology since 1938, he was recently named by the Holy See as a Councillor of the Sacred Congregation of Seminaries and Universities.