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Posted on 06/28/2007 4:10:44 AM PDT by Kaslin
This is an article about a man who did not want me to write it.
A few weeks ago, I gave a commencement speech at a Catholic elementary school. I received the invitation from a 13-year-old young lady, Elisabeth, who began listening to my radio show at 6-and-a-half years of age, who has now finished the eighth grade and prepares, next semester, to enter high school.
Years ago, her mom wrote a letter to me. The mom drove the car one day with her daughter inside. The daughter's book about Helen Keller somehow flew out of the car window as a result of a bump in the road. The mom told the daughter that the busy street made it too dangerous to go back and retrieve the book. Mom tried to console her distraught daughter by saying, "Don't worry, we'll get you another one," to which the little girl said, "I bet if it was a book written by Larry Elder, you'd go back and get it."
After her mother wrote me about the incident, I sent the little girl a signed copy of my first book, and later received a photograph of Elisabeth -- asleep -- clutching my book in her hands. Over the years, Elisabeth and I wrote from time to time, and she would discuss politics, social issues, popular culture and other matters talked about on my radio show.
But this article is not about Elisabeth. It is about the pastor of her school.
As I waited to give my commencement speech, the pastor of the school and I spoke for several minutes. I asked him how and why he chose the priesthood. He told me that he had decided, at a relatively young age, to become a priest, but kept putting the matter off. In fact, he worked in private industry for a number of years, "chasing the almighty dollar." Feeling empty, he decided to pursue his true calling -- that of helping others. So he quit his lucrative job and began the years-long process of becoming a priest. After several assignments, he became the pastor of this school, located in a middle-class neighborhood.
How, I asked, did it feel to make the transition from the private sector to the priesthood? He laughed. "It was easier than you might think. I actually live right here on the grounds," he said, pointing to a residence building. "The church takes care of my bills. I get $1,000 a month, and now I actually have more disposable income than I did before."
He said he felt tremendous pride in helping to shape and mold young people, and send them on their way to the next step. So a few days later, I called him. Would he agree to an interview? I wanted to write about his transition from the private sector to his "calling" and his contribution to our society.
He paused, and said, "Well, I'm not much into self-promotion. I feel that I simply do what my calling wants me to do. There are many people -- soldiers, teachers, firefighters, parents, social workers and others -- who, without praise, make the kind of sacrifice or contribution that I try to do every day."
What, I asked, if I write without using your name, your school or your city? You certainly inspire me, and I think your story can inspire others. The priest said he intended to go on vacation next month, and during that time would consider my request. But, he added, "Surely you can find more worthy people to write about."
I told him that any other answer would have surprised me, and his humility and unwillingness to consider himself a hero makes him all the more compelling a subject. He laughed and said, "Again, this sounds flattering, but undeservedly so. I like what I do and feel morally obligated to do that which God wishes me to do. Why is that remarkable? Why is that heroic?"
You see, he continued, God called me to do this. I saw a need and feel a moral and spiritual obligation to fulfill it. I don't consider this extraordinary. I'm simply doing what God expects me do. I don't do it for personal attention or for self-aggrandizement, but for the glory of God.
Well, I didn't wait for the pastor to return from vacation. I wrote about him anyway. I hope God will forgive me. As for the pastor, that is another matter.
Bump - uplifting to still find those willing to answer the call.
Self ping.
Ping
Nice piece by Larry Elder.
Thanks for posting.
But what people don’t realize is that the Catholic priesthood, sisterhood and brotherhood is loaded with tens of thousands of religious like this priest.
It’s just that all we read about are the few bad apples who joined the religious life.
You wrote: “But what people don’t realize is that the Catholic priesthood, sisterhood and brotherhood is loaded with tens of thousands of religious like this priest.”
How very, very true.
May God bless all our holy priests living and deceased who were there for us through all life’s twists and turns.
And may God bless those who lost their way because of our human weakness to sin due to Original Sin and living in our soul-killing Culture of Death.
May they always know that forgiveness and a new start is always available.
They deserve no less than what they gave to us.
You wrote: “But what people don’t realize is that the Catholic priesthood, sisterhood and brotherhood is loaded with tens of thousands of religious like this priest.”
How very, very true.
May God bless all our holy priests living and deceased who were there for us through all life’s twists and turns.
And may God bless those who lost their way because of our human weakness to sin due to Original Sin and living in our soul-killing Culture of Death.
May they always know that forgiveness and a new start is always available.
They deserve no less than what they gave to us.
But I made it back.
And I hope your son does too!
All paid some, some paid all.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
.
I have heard several stories about priests in my various parishes over the years who followed similar routes. I agree; It’s not that uncommon.
We have two deacons in my current parrish. One of them is a well-meaning guy, but thoroughly in the Spirit of Kumbaya. But the other deacon took a route somewhat similar to this priest: from college hippiedom to success in the business world to a farm in Vermont, and then took orders as a deacon. He is a remarkable man, and gives a great sermon when he is given the pulpit.
Like I said earlier, it’s just too bad that the only ones who get front page headlines are the perverts.
For every bad one, there are probably 1000 good ones out there...if not more!
And I am not excusing the Church because the bad ones out there should have been thrown out on their rears. I know I never had any encounter with any of the perverts and I know if it had happened when I was young, well let me just say, we Irish have ways of dealing with people like that. It’s just too bad that the Church listened to the psychologists & psychiatrists who said the perverts could be rehabilitated. Which we have found out too late, was total unadulterated BS!
Semper Fi,
Kelly
 |
"My alter boy gets the idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, he'll forget about it..." |
And all of the priests carry an “indelible mark” on their soul which will be there for eternity. It was placed there at their Ordination.
My cousin bears this mark from Him who called him. He has served selflessly for over 38 years. And, he is former Military too.
F
This is sweet.
“I get $1,000 a month, and now I actually have more disposable income than I did before.”
I thought Priests were supposed to take a vow of poverty???
Monks have to, not Priests
Thanks for ping, nice story.
Those in religious communities generally take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Some members of religious orders are priests. Diocesan priests promise celibacy (when they are ordained deacon) and obedience to their bishop. But they do not give up any property or income they may have. They cannot engage in some occupation or business without the bishop’s permission, however.
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