John Paul II Hails "Inestimable Value" of Priestly Celibacy

www.zenit.org ^ | JAN. 26, 2004

[johnb2004]

John Paul II considers priestly celibacy of "inestimable value," and appealed for the support that priests need to show that Christ gives full meaning to their lives.

"In today's world, the question of ecclesiastical celibacy and chastity that derives from it continues to be, frequently, both for youth as for other faithful, a stumbling block, object of numerous misunderstandings in public opinion," the Pope said Saturday when receiving a group of French bishops. The bishops, from the ecclesiastical provinces of Montpellier and Toulouse, were ending their five-yearly visit to the Vatican.

In the audience, the Holy Father began by mentioning the faithfulness of so many priests, "who in this way show the world that Christ and the mission can fulfill a life."

Those lives, he said, are "a testimony of the absoluteness of God and a particularly fruitful participation in the building of the Church."

In fact, John Paul II said, "chastity in celibacy has an inestimable value. It constitutes an important key for the spiritual life of priests, for their commitment in the mission, and for their appropriate pastoral relation with the faithful, which should not be based on emotional aspects, but on the responsibility of his ministry."

For these reasons, the Holy Father invited priests "to be vigilant in the face of the seductions of the world and to make an examination of conscience regularly to live ever more profoundly fidelity to their commitment."

"Every attitude that goes against this teaching constitutes an anti-testimony for the Christian community and for all men," he said.

The Holy Father asked the bishops to support young priests especially who, like their contemporaries, "are characterized both by extraordinary enthusiasm as well as the frailties of their time."

"Appropriate psychological and spiritual assistance can also be shown to be necessary so that situations will not last that, with the passing of time, could become dangerous," he said.

"At the same time," the Pope added, "in the case of priests who have a way of life that does not conform to their state, it is necessary to invite them expressly to conversion."

[johnb2004]

"At the same time," the Pope added, "in the case of priests who have a way of life that does not conform to their state, it is necessary to invite them expressly to conversion."

[Salvation]

BTTT!

[Salvation]

For those who may not be familiar with the Cathecism of the Catholic Church:

1599 In the Latin Church the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God's kingdom and the service of men.

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1580 In the Eastern Churches a different discipline has been in force for many centuries: while bishops are chosen solely from among celibates, married men can be ordained as deacons and priests. This practice has long been considered legitimate; these priests exercise a fruitful ministry within their communities. Moreover, priestly celibacy is held in great honor in the Eastern Churches and many priests have freely chosen it for the sake of the Kingdom of God. In the East as in the West a man who has already received the sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry.

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1579 All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to "the affairs of the Lord," they give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.

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[Salvation]

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[NYer]

"Every attitude that goes against this teaching constitutes an anti-testimony for the Christian community and for all men," he said.

See also this thread from The Wanderer

The (Catholic) Church Has Always Prospered When Celibacy Is Honored

[Barnacle]

This article lacks rationale for the policy of celibate priests.

[onedoug]

Always interesting. Thanks for posting.

I can't help but think that married clergy would enhance the laity's control over their church.

[johnb2004]

Well, the pope did not give an in depth explanation at least as reported by the news service, but Christ was celibate and it is a long tradition in the Church.

[Barnacle]

That is a fallacious, mischievous statement.

I meant it sincerely. I am a fan of JPII. Check my tag line.

[Barnacle]

I am aware of that. I am hoping someone can provide edification on the rationale. I have my own theories, but rather than throwing them out there, I am hoping someone can elaborate from a position of knowledge.

General note:

Let's remember the new rules here folks. It is my hope that Catholics will set the best example for all to follow. I know things have been rather tense at times. But, I for one will be posting with my safety on and trigger finger outside the guard.

[sitetest]

Dear Barnacle,

You're right. The statement by Pope John Paul is not an argument in favor of celibacy. Rather, it's an exhortation for celibacy. I'm not sure that our Holy Father was trying to do otherwise.


Dear seamole,

Barnacle is right - there is no rationale given in support of celibacy. Our Holy Father is asserting the value of celibacy, not making an argument for it. But I think that was his intention.


sitetest

[sitetest]

Dear onedoug,

"I can't help but think that married clergy would enhance the laity's control over their church."

From the Catholic perspective, this is a good reason to oppose a married clergy.


sitetest

[Barnacle]

I agree. I shiver to think what might happen if certain individuals got more power than they are allowed now. I think that can apply to just about any if not every church.

Let's remember that the best people to have ascend to power are often shoved aside by the more ambitious.

[sinkspur]

I am hoping someone can provide edification on the rationale.

Celibacy is a tradition, though how long-standing is subject to debate. It was not an absolute requirement (meaning ordination in the Latin Rite was illicit if a man were married) until the Council of Trent. Most historians agree that celibacy was mandated in the 11th century. There were decrees as early as the fourth century, but observation of the actual discipline was not universal among the clergy.

Christ was celibate, but there is no evidence he made its observance an absolute requirement for his apostles and disciples ("Let him observe it who can.")

Theologically, celibacy is not essential to the priesthood.

While celibacy has some witness value, it's clear that Latin Rite clergy (permanent deacons and married Protestant converts) can also provide witness value as married men.

Whether or not celibacy should be mandatory for Latin Rite priests should be discussed, thoroughly, at all levels in the Church. Pretending that there is no issue with it is not going make the fact that there is an issue go away.

[sinkspur]

Let's remember that the best people to have ascend to power are often shoved aside by the more ambitious.

This is true now. I don't see how giving laymen a bit more of a voice in non-doctrinal matters could possibly be worse than the lack of accountability that lead to the clerical abuse scandal.

[onedoug]

Well met. Though it might have precluded so much recent anguish.

Everything good....