Monsignor John Cihak joins WCAT Show Host Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis in Episode 27 of “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love,” to discuss his contribution in the recently published in the comprehensive new book: Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens. In this episode, Monsignor Cihak relates his personal vocational call to the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ and discusses the second of his contributions to the book, Chapter 3, entitled: “More than Just Friends: Reflections on the Priest as the Friend of the Bridegroom.”

Monsignor John Cihak is the Pastor of Christ the King Parish and School and the Director of Continuing Education for Clergy in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. Monsignor earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Notre Dame University, as well as a Licentiate in Fundamental Theology and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served as a Director of Human Formation and Professor of Theology at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon and taught Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. For several years, Monsignor Cihak served as an Official in the Congregation for Bishops and as a Papal Master of Ceremonies for Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Monsignor Cihak is the author of Balthasar and Anxiety, the co-author of The Catholic Guide to Depression, and the editor of Charles Borromeo: Selected Orations, Homilies, and Other Writings, as well as numerous articles on theology and priestly formation.

In this interview, Monsignor Cihak presents the second of his two chapters, and examines the capacity of the priest as the friend of Christ the Bridegroom. While contemporary society often undervalues the vital role of friendship, Monsignor demonstrates the essential beauty and strength of this privileged position. Utilizing imagery and the method of Ignatian reflection, Monsignor Cihak explores the three exemplar relationships with Christ, that of: St. John the Forerunner, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist, and details the powerful lessons and intercession these saints can provide for the priest who seeks to accept the challenge to be an authentic friend of Christ.

Monsignor Cihak’s chapter, entitled “More than Just Friends” is published in Spiritual Husbands- Spiritual Fathers: Priestly Formation for the 21st Century, edited by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Bishop Andrew Cozzens, published by Holy Apostles College and Seminary’s En Route Books and Media, which is available at: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/spiritualhusbands/.