The Priest Mystery of Love

As a good pastor of souls, Archbishop Luis María Martínez was all things to all men. Indeed, his biographer attributed no fewer than ten roles to Archbishop—now Servant of God—Martínez: “philosopher, theologian, educator, superior, sociologist, sacred orator, writer, poet, spiritual director, humorist.” Above these, however, should be added two more: priest and preacher of Jesus Christ. As The Priest: Mystery of Love makes abundantly clear, Archbishop Martínez preached the mystery of Christ, and did so in such a way as to make the message as attractive and accessible to his listener’s ears as it is, in truth, in itself. These nineteen predicaciones address the manifold mysteries of the holy priesthood. Uniquely conformed to Christ, the priest is an alter Christus, another Christ. His mission is a paternal mission: to raise up sons for the Heavenly Father. Fr. Juan Macias Marquez’s translation (the first into English) captures the lofty spirit of Archbishop Martínez’s preaching, and Fr. Luke VanBerkum’s deft editing ensures that none of that original message is lost in its journey from one language to another.