News is the Holy Father is meeting with Bishops in a closed session to address the issue of married priests in light of crazy Archbishop Milingo’s recent antics. Media likes to speculate on this question, but if they are hoping for any reversal on the discipline of a celibate priesthood, don’t hold your breath.
I’m very happy with celibacy as a single Catholic man, as I think most priests are. The argument that it would elevate the dignity of marriage is a silly one, as is the argument that more men would be willing to enter the priesthood if celibacy was an option.
One of the chief reasons men and women are reluctant to enter religious life seems to me to be that there are so many lucrative career options for people today. In other words, people are immersed in a materialistic and hedonistic culture, relishing their freedom to do as they wish. There exists with this a reluctance to sacrifice this freedom and live under obedience. Naturally, this would indicate a lack of spirituality and mystic vision. (I also think when priesthood is presented as a career choice, and Bishops and clergy act more like CEO’s and administrators, working in a 9-5 manner, with 1 day off a week - it isn’t an attractive career path.)
A married priesthood would result in the understanding of the sacredotal state as just another career option, as opposed to a supernatural vocation. Meeting the new permanent Deacons and their wives suggests to me that a married priesthood would look much like this group.
Granted, the married Deacons are very fervent and dedicated to their ministry, while their wives, who usually go through training with them are a wonderful support. I have no problem with that. One does notice the wives are often very involved; some, not all, work in Church offices, or act as liturgists, etc. I could see this happening with married priests. The priest would appear to be a team with his wife. I think my confidence in him would somehow be compromised. If I needed advice, would his wife know about it? Would he turn to her for advice about ministry issues, instead of going to prayer and looking to his spiritual director or superiors for counsel?
I think the rule of celibacy vivifies the priesthood, raises it above the natural to the supernatural, freeing the priest to act in persona Christi.
I don’t like the idea of a married priesthood. Archbishop Milingo is nuts - I hope they don’t spend a lot of time discussing his issue.
