Madam, – I refer to the report by Michael Parsons, “Church hopes to collar new recruits as recession bites”(Page 1, May 4th).
It has happened often over the centuries that men have been attracted to the priesthood for unworthy motives, or for motives that appear unworthy to us today, at least. Just read the Calendar of Papal Registers: Letters.Whether pandering to unworthy motives or not, the Diocese of Ossory, according to Mr Parsons, doesn't seem to be attracting young men to the priesthood. How do we explain that? Perhaps Mr Parsons was looking in the wrong place.
I paid a flying visit on Seminary Day to St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the large crowd, which came from all over the country. Most were young men, but there were some middle-aged men, and some old men as well. The atmosphere was good-humoured.
Though it would be imprudent to rule out the possibility that applicants could have unworthy motives, it is my impression that the preparatory work done during the papacy of John Paul II, ably abetted by the present Pope Benedict XVI, is beginning to bear fruit. A priest friend said recently that things are definitely difficult at present, but that things would change, and that there wouldn’t be enough space to house all the clerical students and novices when the change would come.
I think that change is already perceptible. In other countries it has become apparent that certain dioceses are a lot more successful than others in fostering vocations. To judge by Seminary Day in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, the church in Ireland has been observing what has been happening in other countries, and learning from it. Yours, etc,
Madam, – The life of a Roman Catholic priest may bring material security – an allowance, a house, a car – but it demands faith and commitment.
Priesthood, I think, is a service to the community of believers; it is to preside at the Eucharist and be an instrument of transformation; it is to preach good news, to console the sick and bereaved. In the Roman Catholic tradition of Ireland, only a celibate male can do this. Women and men who are married are excluded.
The hierarchy and religious orders can erect their pavilions in every main street in Ireland for a hundred years. Unless priesthood is conceded to men and women, married as well as celibate, the Lord’s instruction to “do this in memory of me” will be tossed aside like blossoms in a Donegal wind. – Yours, etc,