Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis)

The second function discussed by the bishops is the function of the priest as sanctifier:

God, who alone is holy and who alone bestows holiness, willed to take as his companions and helpers, men who would humbly dedicate themselves to the work of sanctification. Hence, through the ministry of the bishop, God consecrates priests, that being made sharers by special title in the priesthood of Christ, they might act as his ministers in performing sacred functions. We will look at this function over the next two weeks.