Msgr. Charles M. Murphy

In Models of Priestly Formation, Msgr. Charles Murphy helps us understand key moments in the history of priestly training and vocation, and pointing us toward developments that may help priests be trained more effectively in light of increasingly complex demands on their time and talents.

This book is a practical, concise guide for busy Catholics who want to grow in their spiritual lives but don't have access to a spiritual director or hours of free time for daily prayer. Charles Murphy, retreat leader, diocesan director, and former rector of the North American College in vatican City, offers insights into the Catholic approach to spiritual formation, using principles from the spiritual tradition and examples drawn from the lives of everyday contemporary people. He focuses especially on Francois de Sales, a saint who knew that true spirituality always begins with who we already are, no matter how hassled and imperfect our lives may be. Filled with practical advice and enriched by Murphy's years of experience, Belonging to God answers Pope John Paul II's call to provide Catholics everywhere with "training in holiness."