Hi All,
Just copying part of my thoughts and observations on this subject, from a
discussion I am currently having with another group. Everyone may not be in
agreement....but that's O.K.
.....allowing catholic priests to get married (although I, personally, do not
see that about to happen anywhere in the near future) could take care of one
set of problems, but create another. The fact is that not just temptation, but
- more importantly - giving in to that temptation is really at the root of
everything. It is true that temptation comes to all of us, regardless of the
path/vocation we find ourselves in. Depending on our state at the time (ie.
our degree of emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well being) we may or
may not succumb to temptation. At some times we may be able to resist it more
strongly than at other times. Which is why it is so critical to have some sort
of strong, supportive, mature person in your life that you can talk to and
confide in, (and does not always have to be a parent or a priest) - when you
need to. This last sentence may sound a little off topic but is pertinent,
nonetheless.
So, basically, I don't think that allowing catholic priests to marry would be
good solution to the problem.
Also, it is true that many of the sexual offences committed by married people
(outside of the sacrament of marriage) are quite appalling, to say the
least. None of it is right, and none of it should be condoned. However, the
reason why I think the current outcry, rage, and accusations against our
catholic priests has reached the stage it's at, is for 2 main reasons that come
to mind right now (more may come at a later stage):
* The church, which of course includes our catholic priests, has long
since been looked upon as the protector, especially of the weaker members of
society (more often than not - women and children), and it is precisely these 2
sections of society which have been repeatedly preyed upon the most, repeatedly
betraying their trust, (and this is not just a few isolated cases we are
talking about, as we all know now) with scant regard for the immense emotional
trauma this was creating for these victims, and also knowing that they (the
priests concerned) 'could get away with it' a.k.a. were being protected by the
church, even from the law. Unlike other members of society who can be tried
and found/not found guilty, no criminal or civil charges can be pressed against
priests. I'm not aware of any recent changes to this. This is what is making
everyone so mad. I am all for the vote that priests should be tried just like
everyone else. What makes
them so different from the rest of us that they should be considered above the
law?! And, of course, if found guilty, should be subjected to the same
punishments that anyone else (who does not have the privilege of being a
priest) would be subjected to.
* Priests go through many, many years of training for priesthood (many,
many more than do married people!!), and all through this time, they are more
than aware of the vow of celibacy that they will have to observe, and what that
entails, once ordained. So, basically, they have no excuse for their
philandering, later on in life!! Also, they do not have a leg to stand on, if
their pursuits are discovered, and cannot even dream of comparing themselves to
married people with similar problems. In other words.....what validity is
there in their assumption that 'if married people can cheat on their spouses,
and rape kids, why should everyone make such a fuss about us (priests) doing
the same'. Can you see what I mean?? So, if priests found themselves tempted,
the right thing for them to have done was to work on it (counselling??), and
not give in to their temptation, which of course, was not helped by the
protection they got from (the hierarchy
in) the Church.
I may not be astute with all the correct terms and vocabulary (particularly as
they pertain to our catholic faith), but I'm absolutely certain about my
facts. Anyone who chooses to disagree with my observations, is choosing to
stay in denial about the reality of the situation as it now stands.
Although I will most certainly be following this discussion, I may not be
making any more observations in the next little while, as I also have other
e-mail and things to attend to, like everyone else; and make a choice not to be
tied down to the discussion of only one issue.
On Friday 14 May 2010 02:45 PM, Albert Desouza wrote:
________________________________
From: Ashley Delaney <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 5:10:48 AM
Subject: Re: [SALIGAONET] Fw: Your Priests Need Your Prayers
Dear saligaonkars
>Our full religious set up need a change. Priests are very miserably paid. They
>lead a lonely life. No family type of life. Each one is locked up in his own
>room and in his own thoughts. I doubt even if they sit and eat together. In
>some churches like that of Pernem, Tuem, colvale and Revora Pirna there is a
>single priest. Naturally they spend their time in loneliness and isolation and
>take up to drinking and cultivate bad habits like going after women and hereby
>destroying other person's family life. Apart from forgiving them the whole
>system needs a drastic change. I feel that priests should marry and have a
>family of their own. This way they will bring forth a family instead of a
>single pastor and this family will be a role model .But the high command will
>not allow this not because jesus was single but they will have to spend more
>money etc etc. The church has enough
>Dear Albert
while I only partially agree with what u ahve to say above, keep in mind that
the tradition of single priests is Canon law, not a dogma, which means it is
not set in stone, and could change. The married priesthood is not unbiblical
per se (I.e., Peter was married), but there is much scriptural and historical
evidence supporting celibate priests.
There are many pros and cons, but one thing is for sure. The Bible says a
family man puts his family first, not the Church. That leads into a huge
dilemma if he is a pastor. (1 Cor 7:24-35) which is why the church in its
infinite wisdom encourages priests to be celibate.
--
Kind regards
Ashley Delaney
Devine Computers
Abreovaddo, Saligao, Bardez, Goa.
Ph: 9372240620 / 9823118321
Branch: Opp Municipality, Shetye resicom, Shop #3. Bicholim
Ph: 9422448900 / 2361147
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