Unless of course people continue to ignore the facts.
Because of bishops like McCarrick, one can assume it is probably why seminary rectors and vocation directors never turned away gay candidates. Despite the fact the Holy See has always taught such men should not be admitted to seminary, something Pope Francis recently reiterated. Yet even the faithful - clergy and laity together - have pretty much made the exceptions to that rule their policy. (Three years of chaste celibacy is no guarantee - as recent cases clearly demonstrate.) People have to know that, especially former gay men who think they have a vocation, and those bishops who sponsor them. That is terribly unfair to the candidates, BTW.
The problem has always been a problem of homosexuality and NOT paedophilia. If you read prohibitions against admitting homosexuals or men troubled by temptations and falls against even solitary sins, you know the problem is not limited to paedophilia. One must not forget that 'minor seminaries' were preparatory schools - high school boarding schools - a gay priest in charge might well be tempted to 'help a seminarian accept himself' - so to speak.
Anyway - don't tell anyone I said that.
Again, despite his good intentions, Fr. Martin's, S.J. bridge building effort maybe should be looked at a bit closer by superiors and vocation directors. His teaching on the subject of homosexuality is what gay-friendly priests and bishops have always taught, albeit privately. It is exactly what all the documents since 1961 have warned against when it comes to admitting homosexuals to seminary and religious life.
I'm repeating myself here, but I really want people to pay attention now that the McCarrick story is public. The corruption in the Church because of this problem has to be worse than we can imagine. I'm reminded of the 2013 Vanity Fair article, The Vatican's Secret Life, (Despite headlines about a powerful “gay lobby” within the Vatican, and a new Pope promising reform, the Catholic Church’s gay cardinals, monks, and other clergy inhabit a hidden nether world.) - an in depth look at the homosexual influences among clergy in Rome. What is particularly disgusting about the story is how it remained an open secret among clergy and religious in Rome, as well as among many of those who studied in Rome. Once again, it's front page news with the McCarrick scandal.
I'm pretty sure this is the filth and the corruption that Popes Benedict and Francis.
Do yourself a favor and read, Religiosorum institutio - Instruction on the Careful Selection And Training Of Candidates For The States Of Perfection And Sacred Orders, Pope John XXIII - 1961. It might help people understand the decline of vocations in our day.
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ReplyDeleteI would rather see a decline in vocations than have those who should not be admitted, admitted. Quality trumps quantity anytime, anywhere!
ReplyDeleteI will continue to pray that a BRIDGE be built for priests who are holy, faithful, pure of heart and of mind. Priests who love Christ and His Church above all else. Priests who are poor in spirit and rich in humility. I know they are among as I have met a few of them, gracias a Dios.
I will continue to entrust them to Mary and to St. Joseph. May these faithful sons of the Church inspire more men to seek Christ and take up His cross proclaiming the Good News to the ends of the earth. May Mary our mother, embrace them and protect them under her holy mantle of purity.
Let's unite in prayer for the sake of all especially for those who have been hurt by such scandal and degradation.
Absolutely - and I think that has always been the mind of the Church - quality over quantity - Popes Benedict and Francis have said as much. It's interesting how over the years some groups boasted of the increase of vacations to their congregation - Pope Francis once commented on that phenomenon and got in trouble for it when he implied something may be wrong with the founder or the followers. The more I read about this, the more convinced I am that this anti-papist/anti-council stuff is something to destabilize the Church - especially to discredit the Pope. Look how many Catholics are nearing schism. It seems to be working.
DeleteAnyway - that sounds conspiracy theory laden and it's just a hunch. But this is what the 1961 document I cite at the end of the post says:
"First of all, although vocations to the state of evangelical perfection and to the priesthood are to be promoted by every means (Stat. Gen., art. 32), still care must be taken lest an immoderate desire to increase numbers should interfere with quality and selection.
Let all be convinced that, unless great zeal for an abundance of students is closely bound up with proper care for their formation, such zeal does not produce the desired effects, and even does just the contrary. For just as it is evident that, with the help of God’s grace, nothing contributes more to inspiring vocations than the exemplary life of those who have been properly formed, in the same way nothing is more conducive to impeding the growth of vocations or to suffocating them than the example of mistakes which are unfortunately beheld in those who are without proper solid formation."
The words of our Savior ring true to this day ... "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Thanks for such a noble reminder.
DeleteWell stated. I think part of the problem, aside from the obvious infiltration by Satan, is the atmosphere of the clergy "sticking together" and defending the indefensible when it comes to fellow priests. Our loyalty lies with God and His Church, not in its individual ministers. It is one thing to defend personal, untrue insults and attacks on a priest's reputation. But it is another to hide, and thereby encourage, sinful behavior that leads the faithful away from God. The phrase, "it would be better to tie a millstone around the neck" of one who leads the innocent away from God comes to mind. I fully agree with Yaya - it is time to bring out the big guns and pray fervent rosaries for our clergy, who are under constant attack from evil.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right. Thanks.
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