[wagglebee]

Coadjutor Bishop Arnold Orowae of Wabag, Papua New Guinea, told synod participants that Catholics who live in remote villages did not have "the opportunity for frequent celebration and reception of the Eucharist."

This is unfortunately true, but the solution is not to increase the frequency by rendering the entire Sacrement meaningless by destroying the priesthood.

[marshmallow]

"The harvest is rich but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the harvest."

That's fairly clear isn't it? The Lord will send the laborers when we ask. Like all prayers, it must be uttered with faith, be sincere, persistent and accompanied by fasting.

If He appears not to be listening, the answer is to re-double our petitions and personal sacrifice, not to ordain women, the married, homos, and anyone else who can fog a mirror.

[Tax-chick]

Bishop Orowae questioned whether it was necessary for a priest who had to serve poor, often illiterate people in remote areas to have "years of intellectual formation in philosophy and theology." He stressed ministers would have to have the proper and "necessary training required," but that they would be ordained for the task of only celebrating the Eucharist.

The church needs to clarify its position concerning the nature of the Eucharist, he said. "Some feel that eucharistic hospitality is important," that "the Eucharist is food for the hungry, not a reward for being good."

He added that there was concern the Eucharist not be seen as "an elitist sacrament" but as "a celebration of the generosity of God." "Others feel that the Eucharist be given only to those who are adequately prepared," he said. "How should the church explain these different opinions?"

On one hand, he says a "minister" doesn't need intellectual formation to celebrate the Eucharist ... and then on the other hand, he raises questions about the Eucharist that obviously require considerable intellectual formation. Can't have it both ways, Bishop.

[RobbyS]

Viri probati is a very old tradition. But I hope that people will not forget that celibacy is equally traditional. It is one thing that distinguished early Christians from the Jews who rejected Christ..