FAM Religious Priests
With Father Alfredo di Penta, who through Mother Esperanza discovered and accepted his call from the Lord to the priesthood as the first FAM Priest, on 15 August, 1951, in Rome, the Congregation was born and more specifically its first “branch” of religious priests.
The identity of the FAM Priests is characterized by the specific form of their priestly life: religious who accomplish pastoral charity in the spirituality of the Merciful Love.
Their particular field is the union with the clergy and of the clergy in order to favor the “priestly brotherhood,” also called “sacramental brotherhood.” In fact, the theology of Merciful Love and theology of the priesthood coincide.
United with the priests and the presbyterium, the FAM priests promote a deep communion “like true brothers.” This implies dialog, comprehension, esteem, collaboration, friendship, and support.
Our houses must become homes where the priests may find a real family atmosphere. Therefore, the testimony of communion, hospitality, friendship, prayer and fraternal service is absolutely necessary. Among the different services are those favoring the promotion of retreats and spiritual exercises, spiritual direction, pastoral collaboration and common life, etc.
