Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Priestly Celibacy
UPDATE: The Eucharist and Priestly Celibacy
On 29th May 2007, some churches published the weekly "Dear Padre" article in their Sunday bulletin. In the article, a reader asked Rev. Fr. Joseph Nolen why celibacy was integral in the Roman Catholic priesthood. Instead of presenting the Church's official stand on this matter, Fr. Nolen presented his own personal views which indicated that it wasn't a problem for the Church to have married clergy.
It is by the virtue of his sacred office to preach orthodoxy and defend the Magisterial on her teaching on priestly celibacy.
If we look at large corporations or companies, we would find that their staff always act in line with the company's beliefs. They never share their own opinions, especially so during interviews or in public responses/replies. The only place where they do discuss their own opinions and beliefs would be in the boardroom.
Now, for the official teaching of the Church, let's take a look at "Sacerdotalis Caelibatus," Paul VI begins by presenting the situation of priestly celibacy at that time, from the viewpoint of the appreciation of it and of the objections to it. His first words are crucial and ever timely: "Priestly celibacy has been guarded by the Church for centuries as a brilliant jewel, and retains its value undiminished even in our time when the outlook of men and the state of the world have undergone such profound changes."
Paul VI revealed what he himself meditated upon, questioning himself on the subject in order to be able to respond to the objections. He concluded: "Hence, we consider that the present law of holy celibacy should today continue to be linked to the ecclesiastical ministry. This law should support the minister in his exclusive, definitive and total choice of the unique and supreme love of Christ and of the Church; it should uphold him in the entire dedication of himself to the public worship of God and to the service of the Church; it should distinguish his state of life both among the faithful and in the world at large."
"It is true," the Pope added, "that virginity, as the Second Vatican Council declared, is not demanded of the priesthood by its nature. This is clear from the practice of the early Church and the tradition of the Eastern Churches (cf. "Presbyterorum Ordinis," no. 16). But at the same time the Council did not hesitate to confirm solemnly the ancient, sacred and providential present law of priestly celibacy. In addition, it set forth the motives which justify this law for those who, in a spirit of faith and with generous fervor, know how to appreciate the gifts of God."
It is true. Celibacy is a gift that Christ offers to men called to the priesthood. This gift must be accepted with love, joy and gratitude. Thus, it will become a source of happiness and holiness.
Labels: Celibacy, Encyclical, Holy Father, Priesthood
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