The View from the Pew: A Catholic Priest Falls in Love by Alex A. Menez
Regular price
$21.95
Share this Product
About the Author
Born in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, Dr. Alex A. Menez was a Catholic priest for forty years, and a monsignor (a title he never used). He fell in love with Espy De Vega at a late age of sixty-three. So, he asked for dispensation even if, for reason of conscience, they did not get civilly married nor did they have a child, which are the usual reasons for dispensation. And he was a well-loved and respected priest with a reputable record. Notwithstanding, dispensation was given by Pope Benedict XVl. As a priest, he held key positions in the diocese. He took Postgraduate Studies in Canon Law at the Lateran College in Rome and has a doctorate degree in canon law from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He served as judge ponens of matrimonial annulment cases. He is involved in a personal ministry and pro bono in assisting married priests apply for dispensation. His book commemorates his 50th ordination anniversary. On November 28, 1970, he was ordained a priest by Pope, now St Paul Vl. The ceremony was celebrated at the Luneta Park, Manila. And Dr. Menez added, "I am still a priest because ordination is a permanent sacrament. What is not permanent is Celibacy. And Pope Benedict XVI dispensed me from its obligation in 2010 so that I can marry Espy, the lovely face that launched the thousand words." He is happily married since 2011.
"Love stories are always captivating. And when it is the love story of a catholic priest, it is intriguing.
This book is about the love story of two priests. Both stories reveal their pain and struggles to decide against a law imbedded for centuries in the solid structure of an institution and in the cultural psyche of both laity and clergy. In the end, love and grace triumph" (From a peer review).
A highlight of this book is my reformist concern related to clerical behavior. And I speak from my experience and expertise of forty years in the ministry. Ecclesiastics should know that when I left the service of the altar, I bore no bitterness or regret. I am, therefore, their best ally to tell them the truth in love. An added weight for my credibility is because my observations are based mostly on the pronouncements of Pope Francis.
The book will make some clerics uncomfortable. Many will find it comforting and uplifting.
All will find it a good resource for reflection and a compelling guide for examination of conscience to hopefully bring about the clergy reform in attitude and lifestyle.
I have a chapter on celibacy. Some will ask, what more is there to talk about this topic. And I say, because I present celibacy with a focus on chastity. Celibacy without chastity is a farce. Perhaps someday the church will change its law on celibacy, definitely not in my lifetime. But it will. This book will tell you why.
This book can be used as a primer in the seminary formation program. As Cardinal Robert Sarah has warned, " The Christian priesthood is going through a major crisis, and at the root of this quagmire is a deep flaw in their formation."
The laity will benefit from this book, especially among the churchgoing, those engaged in religious formation, those in search of their faith‰۪s relevance or simply the spiritually hungry and the families and friends of priests all over the world.
The book strongly emphasizes the equality in dignity of all Christian faithful (clergy and lay) based on the grace of baptism. This will help the laity value and uphold their proper role, viz. that together they build up the Church of Jesus Christ." - Excerpts from the Back Cover.
ISBN: 978-10-9-804175-5
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Pages: 152 pages
Size: 6x9
C.E.
Born in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines, Dr. Alex A. Menez was a Catholic priest for forty years, and a monsignor (a title he never used). He fell in love with Espy De Vega at a late age of sixty-three. So, he asked for dispensation even if, for reason of conscience, they did not get civilly married nor did they have a child, which are the usual reasons for dispensation. And he was a well-loved and respected priest with a reputable record. Notwithstanding, dispensation was given by Pope Benedict XVl. As a priest, he held key positions in the diocese. He took Postgraduate Studies in Canon Law at the Lateran College in Rome and has a doctorate degree in canon law from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He served as judge ponens of matrimonial annulment cases. He is involved in a personal ministry and pro bono in assisting married priests apply for dispensation. His book commemorates his 50th ordination anniversary. On November 28, 1970, he was ordained a priest by Pope, now St Paul Vl. The ceremony was celebrated at the Luneta Park, Manila. And Dr. Menez added, "I am still a priest because ordination is a permanent sacrament. What is not permanent is Celibacy. And Pope Benedict XVI dispensed me from its obligation in 2010 so that I can marry Espy, the lovely face that launched the thousand words." He is happily married since 2011.
"Love stories are always captivating. And when it is the love story of a catholic priest, it is intriguing.
This book is about the love story of two priests. Both stories reveal their pain and struggles to decide against a law imbedded for centuries in the solid structure of an institution and in the cultural psyche of both laity and clergy. In the end, love and grace triumph" (From a peer review).
A highlight of this book is my reformist concern related to clerical behavior. And I speak from my experience and expertise of forty years in the ministry. Ecclesiastics should know that when I left the service of the altar, I bore no bitterness or regret. I am, therefore, their best ally to tell them the truth in love. An added weight for my credibility is because my observations are based mostly on the pronouncements of Pope Francis.
The book will make some clerics uncomfortable. Many will find it comforting and uplifting.
All will find it a good resource for reflection and a compelling guide for examination of conscience to hopefully bring about the clergy reform in attitude and lifestyle.
I have a chapter on celibacy. Some will ask, what more is there to talk about this topic. And I say, because I present celibacy with a focus on chastity. Celibacy without chastity is a farce. Perhaps someday the church will change its law on celibacy, definitely not in my lifetime. But it will. This book will tell you why.
This book can be used as a primer in the seminary formation program. As Cardinal Robert Sarah has warned, " The Christian priesthood is going through a major crisis, and at the root of this quagmire is a deep flaw in their formation."
The laity will benefit from this book, especially among the churchgoing, those engaged in religious formation, those in search of their faith‰۪s relevance or simply the spiritually hungry and the families and friends of priests all over the world.
The book strongly emphasizes the equality in dignity of all Christian faithful (clergy and lay) based on the grace of baptism. This will help the laity value and uphold their proper role, viz. that together they build up the Church of Jesus Christ." - Excerpts from the Back Cover.
ISBN: 978-10-9-804175-5
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Pages: 152 pages
Size: 6x9
C.E.