Elementi svećeničke duhovnosti u pismima Sv. Jeronima

Following the general reference to the importance of the letters of the first Fathers of the Church, it has been noted that St. Jeronim's opinion was that there was no difference between a Presbyter and a Bishop. The study of St. Jeronim's letters is aiming to reach the elements as to how he conceives a priest as a person, which are the risks he points to, and problem he faces. To Jeronim, a priest is the Church's minister having no special vocation to follow. This results in a necessity of engaging oneself in the spiritual growth of those who believe as the main characteristics of his activities. A priest should extend services out of love, unselfishly and humbly. Pastoral activities should first of all include preaching and care for the poor. In every-day life, a priest should excel in spiritual freedom, trust in Providence, decent behaviour and his attitude towards food and drink. As regards his relation to women, a priest should be characterized by dignity, self-control, keeping himself aloof, prudence and caution. The subjects of the most of the letters are of the ascetic character imposing very severe codes of behaviour in accordance with the attitude of St. Jeronim.