Top Cardinal Plays Down Priest Shortage (Divorcees to receive communion?)

Associated Press ^ | October 03,2005 | NICOLE WINFIELD

[Stone Mountain]

Top Cardinal Plays Down Priest Shortage

By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press Writer

October 03,2005 | VATICAN CITY -- A senior cardinal played down the shortage of clergymen that has left many churches without priests to celebrate Mass, saying at the start of a meeting of the world's bishops Monday that access to the Eucharist was a gift, not a right for Catholics.

But Cardinal Angelo Scola, the relator, or key moderator of the Synod of Bishops, hinted at some flexibility on another divisive issue facing the church: its ban on giving communion to divorcees who remarry without getting an annulment.

The comments by the Venice archbishop came in a lengthy introductory speech, delivered in Latin, to the bishops on the first day of the three-week meeting on the Eucharist, or Mass, during which Catholics receive what they believe is the body and blood of Christ.

His comments drew immediate, if nuanced, criticism from two bishops who appeared with Scola at a news conference -- a hint of the debates that will likely ensue behind closed doors during the synod.

Monsignor Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines said the synod had to "squarely" confront the priest shortage issue, recounting how on his first Sunday as an ordained priest he celebrated nine Masses -- and that that was the norm in his country.

"It is the priest who makes the Eucharist," he said.

He said he didn't have any answers to the problem, but many church reform groups have called on the synod to discuss the celibacy rule for priests, saying the priesthood would grow if men were allowed to marry.

Scola, however, repeated in his speech what the church regards as the benefits of a celibate priesthood and said the synod should talk about a better distribution of priests in the world.

© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[markedman]

It is time to re-evaluate celibacy in the priesthood given the genesis of the edicts to have celebate priests.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/is_23_38/ai_85060908

I would also imagine that it must be particularly galling to a celebrate priest who might serve in the same parish as a married priest who may have come over from the Lutherans or Episcopalians.

[wideawake]

There is no need to reevaluate celibacy. The arguments for the discipline are well-known, and the weak, self-serving arguments against it are also well-known.

If it bothers a celibate priest to have a married formerly Episcopal or Lutheran colleague, then he needs to think about his lack of charity.

[brooklyn dave]

The priest shortage is primarily in the west. In the Third World seminaries are full. I still think the Church should start ordaining those married deacons. That is a good point though...how many celibate priests will feel peeved if they start ordaining married men. (this is not already including ex-Lutherans and episcopalians)

[NYer]

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his speech during the first day of a three-week meeting of the world's bishops at the Vatican Monday, Oct.3, 2005. More than 250 bishops, cardinals, heads of religious orders and others from about 118 countries will take part in the Synod of Bishops

Bishops arrive for the first day of a three-week meeting of the world's bishops at the Vatican Monday, Oct.3, 2005. More than 250 bishops, cardinals, heads of religious orders and others from about 118 countries will take part in the Synod of Bishops.

[sitetest]

Dear brooklyn dave,

Actually, I think the problem is more acute in a lot of Third World countries. In fact, many European countries, as well as the US, have lots more priests per Catholic capita than many South American and African countries.

As well, since Mass attendance is low in the US, and even lower throughout much of Europe, the problem is even less severe in these countries than the raw numbers tend to show.


sitetest

[WilliamWallace1999]

Evidence please?

[markedman]

Actually, it was the weak combined with self-serving interests that led to celibacy in the first place.

[wideawake]

Actually, it was the weak combined with self-serving interests that led to celibacy in the first place.

Whose silly anti-Catholic version of history are you basing this unsupported piece of fluff on?

[markedman]

"Whose silly anti-Catholic version of history are you basing this unsupported piece of fluff on?"

Hmmm. Let's see, "The National Catholic Reporter?" And what do you base your unsupported views on?

[Milly]

I'm in a parish with two celibate priests and two married priests . No Problems.

[Salvation]

**its ban on giving communion to divorcees who remarry without getting an annulment.**

I think this will stay in place. As long as a divorced person does NOT remarry they can receive Holy Communion!

[conservonator]

Hmmm. Let's see, "The National Catholic Reporter?" And what do you base your unsupported views on?

I don't think basing your understanding of Catholic history, tradition and dogma on what appears in that particular publication is serving your best spiritual interest.

JMHO

[wideawake]

Hmmm. Let's see, "The National Catholic Reporter?"

Ah yes, NCR.

They are about as "Catholic" as "Catholics for a Free Choice." So your source is a bunch of yellow journalists. Good to know.

And what do you base your unsupported views on?

My extremely well-supported views are based on my degree in medieval history.

But please, let's hear your version of history.

After all, you got it from NCR, well-known for its bashing of Catholic tradition.

Spiel away. I'd love to hear how emulation of St. Paul and Jesus Christ himself is "selfish" and "weak."

[markedman]

"I don't think basing your understanding of Catholic history, tradition and dogma on what appears in that particular publication is serving your best spiritual interest."

Wish though you may, you cannot erase a couple of thousand years of well documented European history.

[wideawake]

Nor should there be. I've never heard of an orthodox, celibate priest bitching and moaning about his married colleagues.

[wideawake]

Wish though you may, you cannot erase a couple of thousand years of well documented European history.

Posture though you may, you have yet to adduce a single fact in support of the silly thesis you cribbed from NCR.

[markedman]

Actually, it is well documented fact. Being blind to history does not make it go away.

[conservonator]

Wish though you may, you cannot erase a couple of thousand years of well documented European history.

Does the well documented history you refer too involve the celibacy rule coming into existence only in the middle ages as a result of the Church wanting to stop priests from hording wealth and creating dynasties?