"All priests, who are constituted in the order of the priesthood by the sacrament of Orders, are bound together by an intimate sacramental brotherhood; but in a special way they form one priestly body in the Diocese to which they are attached under their own Bishop" (PO, n. 8).

Priestly fraternity is in the unity of pastoral ministry, in the wide variety of tasks, offices and activities to which Priests are assigned Adifferent duties, yet one priestly service for the people."

Variety of duties can be considerable: parish, inter-parish and multi-parish ministry; diocesan, national and international activities; education, research, analysis teaching in the various areas of religious and theological doctrine; apostolate through the media, religious art in its many forms, the variety of charitable services moral guidance to different categories of people. This variety cannot create classes or inequalities, because these tasks always fall within the scope of evangelization.

It is important for every priest to be willing - and properly trained - to understand and value the work performed by his brothers in the priesthood. It is a question of a Christian and ecclesial spirit.

Reciprocal understanding is the basis of mutual help in the various areas. "It is of great importance that all priests, whether diocesan or regular, should help each other, so that they may be fellow-helpers of the truth."

Reciprocal help can be given in many ways, from being willing to assist a confrere in need to accepting a work plan in a spirit of pastoral cooperation in the overall coordination of the apostolate.

In this regard, it should be kept in mind that the parish itself (as sometimes the Diocese too), although having its autonomy, cannot be an island. Parishes are the living organs of the one Body of Christ, the one Church, welcoming and serving all who for any reason come at a given moment. Naturally, this should not become a source of disorder or confusion in regard to canon law, which is also at the service of pastoral care.

A particular effort of mutual understanding and reciprocal help is desirable and should be fostered especially in the relationships between older and younger priests. The Council itself urged older priests to have understanding and sympathy for the projects of the younger ones, and advised the latter to have respect for the experience of their elders and to trust them; it recommended that both groups treat each other with sincere affection, in accordance with the example given by so many priests, past and present.

"Under the influence of a spirit of brotherhood, priests should not forget hospitality (cf. Heb 13,1-2), and should cultivate kindness and the sharing of goods (cf. Heb 13,16). They should be particularly concerned about those who are sick, about the afflicted, the overworked, the lonely, the exiled, the persecuted (cf. Mt 5,10)."

Periodic fraternal gatherings should be promoted for rest and relaxation, in order to answer the human need for restoring one's physical, mental and spiritual strength, which Jesus, the "Teacher and Lord", in his careful attention to the condition of others, already had in mind when he invited the Apostles, "Come by yourselves to an out-of-the-way place and rest a little" (Mk 6,31).