It is not easy to know how to address a priest of the Roman Catholic Church through a letter, because there are many ranks within the clergy. However, if you want to be respectful, you need to follow the right protocol. This article will tell you how to write to priests of different ranks.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Write to a Priest
Step 1. Address the letter to a secular priest
On the envelope you must write the words "To the Reverend Father" followed by the name and surname of the recipient. Alternatively, you can write "Al Reverendo" accompanied by your name and surname. Do not forget the articulated preposition "al". Here is an example: "To the Reverend Father Michele Rossi".
- The greeting should be "Dear Father" or "Reverend Father". If the letter is very formal, you should write "Reverend Father" followed by your first and last name or "Dear Father".
- If you know the priest well, then you can limit yourself to "Dear Father" followed or not by the surname. Conclude the letter with this formula: "Please accept, Reverend Canon (name and surname) the expression of my deferential sentiments" followed by your name and surname. Alternatively, you can close with the words: "With respect and devotion in Christ" and your name.
Step 2. Write a letter to a priest of a religious order
On the envelope write: "Rev." followed by the name and surname of the recipient, then adding the indications of the religious order to which it belongs.
- The substantial difference lies in the addition of the initials of the religious order, for example: "To the Reverend Father Michele Rossi, O. S. B.", where O. S. B indicates the Order of St. Benedict.
- You should greet the recipient with the words "Reverend Father" and conclude the letter with "Please accept, Reverend Father, the expression of my deferential sentiments" followed by your name and surname.
Part 2 of 3: Reach out to other Catholic leaders
Step 1. Write to the Pope
Correctly address this authority, as it is the highest office in the Catholic hierarchy. On the envelope write: "To His Holiness Pope Francis". The formula is acceptable: "To the Supreme Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Francis".
- In the greetings you should write: "Most Holy Father" or "His Holiness". When you address the pope in person and not in writing, you must always use the courtesy formula "His Holiness". The address to write to is: Palazzo Apostolico, 00120 Vatican City.
- Finish the letter appropriately. A Catholic should write: "Of Your Holiness most obedient son" followed by the sender's name and surname.
- If you are not a faithful Catholic, then you should conclude with: "Please accept, Most Blessed Father, the expression of my high esteem" or "Please accept, Your Holiness, the expression of my high esteem". An acceptable closing formula is: "With respect and devotion in Christ".
Step 2. Write to a cardinal
On the envelope you must write the following words: "To His Most Reverend Eminence the Cardinal (name and surname) Bishop or Archbishop of (city)".
- When you address a cardinal in writing, use the allocutive form "Your Most Reverend Eminence". In the ecclesiastical hierarchy, the cardinal is second only to the pope. When talking to him in person, always use the words "Your Eminence".
- If you are a Catholic, you can close the letter with the words: "With devout (or filial) respect" and your name and surname. Or you can write: "Hoping for your blessing, I offer my respectful greetings".
Step 3. Talk to an archbishop
On the envelope you should write: "To His Excellency Most Reverend, Monsignor (name and surname), Archbishop of" and the name of the city to which it is assigned.
- The allocutive form should be "Your Most Reverend Excellency". When you speak to the archbishop himself, always use the title "Your Excellency".
- Conclude the letter in this way: "Please accept, Mr. Archbishop, the expression of my high esteem" or "With respect and devotion in Christ" followed by your name and surname.
Step 4. Contact the bishop
On the envelope write the address according to this example: "To His Most Reverend Excellency, Monsignor Rodolfo Cetoloni, Bishop of Grosseto".
- The courtesy formula is always "Your Most Reverend Excellency".
- Conclude the letter with these words: "With devout (or filial) respect" or with "Hoping for your blessing, I offer my respectful greetings."
Step 5. Contact a friar or a nun
If you have to write to a friar, use these words: "Reverend Friar" followed by the name and surname of the recipient and the initials of the order to which he belongs.
- The greeting should be: "Reverend Frate" followed by the surname. To conclude the letter, you can simply write down these words: "Please accept, Reverend Friar, the expression of my deferential sentiments" and then your name and surname.
- If you have to write to a nun, write these words on the envelope: "Reverend Sister (name and surname)". The allocutive formula is "Reverend Sister" and her surname. To conclude the letter you write: "Please accept, Reverend Sister, the expression of my deferential sentiments".
Step 6. Talk to an abbot
In this case, you should write: "Reverend Father", his name and surname and then the initials of the order. Remember that the title may change based on the religious order you belong to; for example, for the Carthusians he is "Minister General", for the Trappists he is "Abbot General" and so on.
- The allocutive form is "Reverend Father".
- Conclude the letter with: "Please accept, Reverend Father, the expression of my deferential sentiments."
Part 3 of 3: Follow Right Etiquette in Front of the Clergy
Step 1. Follow general etiquette regarding correspondence
If it's a formal letter, use letterhead. You can make it yourself, by entering your name and contact information in the center of the page, on the top edge.
- Don't indent paragraphs. Leave a double spacing between each paragraph, and also make sure that they align with your name and contact information located at the top left of the page.
- Use good quality paper with a matching envelope. Remember to include the sender on the envelope as well.
Step 2. When dealing with the clergy, always be formal
It is not accepted to address a priest with his name, for example "Father Luke". On the contrary, you should use the surname (Father Rossi) or the simple appellation "Father".
- In the past, the priest was referred to as "Reverend" and you can still use this title to show that you care about traditions and are very respectful.
- Obviously, if a priest asks you to be called by name (Father Luke), you can do it without any problem. However, in certain situations it is considered a lack of respect.
Step 3. Remember the protocol when dealing with priests
Get up when a priest enters the room and you shouldn't sit down until he tells you to.
- If you are a man, take off your hat in the presence of a priest and kiss his hand. This is considered a gesture to honor the fact that the priest consecrates the Eucharist.
- Show the same respect when you take leave of a priest.
Advice
- When writing to a Catholic priest, use white writing paper and black ink.
- In dictionaries and also online you can find style suggestions to use when addressing priests from various ranks of the Orthodox, Russian Orthodox and Episcopal Churches.
