Abstract:

The annual entrance of the high priest into the Holy of Holies to expiate sin was the most demonstrative act of his holiness. There, he was cut off from people, as he alone could enter it. His worthiness was secured by the stringent prescriptions of ritual separations laid down in the cultic laws for the Day of Atonement. In contrast, Jesus “had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people,” (Hb. 2:17) and demonstrated his priestly holiness through solidarity with humanity, embracing even the consequence of sin, which is death.

This paper is a theological reflection on the concept of priestly solidarity as advanced by Albert Vanhoye. While priesthood and solidarity might seem to be incongruous concepts — priesthood suggesting a distinctive identity and separation, and solidarity implying openness and inclusivity — Vanhoye reappropriated their meaning, thus creating an amalgamated concept, and used it as a key hermeneutical optic for interpreting the paradoxical novelty of Christ’s priesthood.

An exploration of the implications of the priestly solidarity concept is also attempted, particularly concerning the contemporary issue of clericalism as it undermines the vision of Christ’s priesthood by insecurely maintaining a separation between clergy and laity, with the former claiming to be of superior status. The study further proposes a shape or a model that embodies the ideals of priestly solidarity in the ministerial priesthood. Here, the image of the servant-leader prominently emerges as a perennially functional model.

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners:

1. Fr. Emmanuel Marfori, S.Th.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner)
2. Mr. Markus Locker, Ph.D.
3. Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, S.J., S.T.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners:
1. Fr. Cristopher Fajardo, S.T.D. cand. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D., Ph.D.
3. Fr. Manuel Francisco, S.J., S.T.D.