Posted by Cathy Taggart In short, why are so many people concerned that priests may want to marry, but no-one seems concerned that some married people may yearn for a more spiritual life? (Or I am the only one?) On a more personal note, Kevin, I hope you won't mind me asking, but I can't help wondering whether you yourself find celibacy a problem. You seem to be a happy, "together" sort of person, certainly not some-one who feels that a vital part of his life is unfulfilled! I very much hope that even if we do away with compulsory celibacy for (diocesan) priests, we will still keep our Religious Orders. For me, the symbolisom of the religious life really works, especially since I feel "bogged down" in mundanities as describe above: i.e., it is a powerful and nurturing symbol for me that some people give up the opportunity for a "normal" life for the sake of the Kingdom, and live lives which are OVERTLY much more in keeping with the Gospels than most of us can mamage! However, I would hate to think that I am asking this gift of people if it is an unreasonable demand! CATHY
on February 12, 2005, 12:14 pm
A recent statement by the Council of Priests has once again put the issue of priestly celibacy on the agenda. My problem with this issue is that in our society, and even more so in the Church, we tend to take a rather idealized view of marriage and the family, so it's hard to have a realistic discussion. I myself am happily married and have a good family life, but I frequently feel totally "bogged down" in the mundane practicalities of life: housework, bills, shopping, money worries, attending to everyone's needs, etc., etc. Of course, everyone has to deal with the everyday necessities of life, but when you have family responsibilities the demands are much bigger and can seem all-consuming. It can be very difficult to have the time, opportunity or even the inclination to pray, meditate, etc., let alone do the things that really nourish your spiritual life like going on retreat!
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