So, there is no prohibition it is just not the custom in the U.S. It also references "transferring them out of Lebanon." What about native born Americans, as the Maronite rite continues to grow (which it is showing every evidence of doing) there will naturally come more native Vocations.
Here is an old article talking about the Melkite situation.
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=3326
I don't believe either of the Eparchies in the U.S. have there own Seminary at present, please correct me if I am wrong.
What is the Vocation rate for the Eparchies (I saw an article in CWR on Latin Rite Diocese)? And is there a "shortage"? The local Parish has Msgr. Lahoud and a Bi-Ritual Jesuit serving it.
Further, has the Maronite Rite ever accepted a married Clergyman through the Pastoral Provision?
I am a firm supporter of the discipline of Celibacy, but have on occasion wondering if a married Priest couldn't fill some of the Diocesan office jobs and peripheral Chaplaincies (i.e. Prison, Hospital etc) that it would be preferable to have a Priest in or so it could free up a Celibate Priest for Parish work.
- Heck the Archdiocese of Boston bought a $687,000 house in a ritzy neighborhood for it's one married Priest, maybe some of the smaller Diocese can't afford them. (Sarcasm intentional)
What about native born Americans, as the Maronite rite continues to grow (which it is showing every evidence of doing) there will naturally come more native Vocations. They follow the rules of the Latin Church. Bishop Mansour, who is native born American, wrote a beautiful article on celibacy.
My experience of priestly celibacy in the Maronite Church in America
I don't believe either of the Eparchies in the U.S. have there own Seminary at present, please correct me if I am wrong.
Indeed they do - OUR LADY OF LEBANON MARONITE SEMINARY , in Washington DC.
What is the Vocation rate for the Eparchies
Don't know but the Maronite parishes are growing (except for mine, but I'm working on it).
Further, has the Maronite Rite ever accepted a married Clergyman through the Pastoral Provision?
Not sure but it's doubtful. As married clergy, they would not be able to serve outside of Lebanon, under the current structure. They would also have to learn Aramaic, Syriac and Arabic.
I am a firm supporter of the discipline of Celibacy, but have on occasion wondering if a married Priest couldn't fill some of the Diocesan office jobs and peripheral Chaplaincies (i.e. Prison, Hospital etc) that it would be preferable to have a Priest in or so it could free up a Celibate Priest for Parish work.
Amazingly, our pastor (bi-ritual Maronite, Latin Rite) also serves the Diocese of Albany. He attends to the Maronite parish first, then serves as Chaplain at a local hospital, also says the Latin Mass during the week at priestless parishes in order to consecrate a sufficient number of hosts for their weekend liturgies.