Apostolic Fathers on Celibacy
ST. GREGORY NAZIANZEN – FUNERAL ORATION ON THE GREAT S. BASIL, BISHOP OF CAESAREA IN CAPPADOCIA. 62. A great thing is virginity, and celibacy, and being ranked with the angels, and with the single nature; for I shrink from calling it Christ’s, Who, though He willed to be born for our sakes who are born, […]
God’s Gift to His Bride: Priestly Celibacy
Issue: What is priestly celibacy? Does priestly celibacy have a biblical and historical basis? Is this an unchangeable doctrine or a discipline that can and should be modified? What are some objections to mandatory priestly celibacy? Response: Celibacy is the choice to remain unmarried for the sake of the kingdom of God. Celibacy is a […]
Holy Orders
A sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ, by which the spiritual power is handed on and grace is conferred for the confection of the sacraments, especially of the Eucharist (and therefore for offering sacrifice) and for the proper carrying out of other Church duties. By which the task of serving in the name […]
From Slave to Priest – Father John Augustine Tolton
Father John Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) was the first black priest in the United States. Born into a black Catholic slave family, Father Tolton conquered almost insurmountable odds to become a Catholic priest. He died an early death at 43, and this pioneer black American priest left behind a shining legacy of holy service to God, […]
Wouldn’t there be more priests if men were allowed to marry?
MATTHEW PINTO Q: Don’t you think a lot more men would become priests if they were allowed to get married? A: A married priesthood might increase the numbers in the short-run, but the real issue is, “Does God really want a married priesthood?” Last week I offered ten reasons why I believe a celibate clergy is better for both […]
Women Priests — No Chance
JOANNE BOGLE There is a general assumption, especially in North America and Europe, that the Catholic Church’s insistence on a male priesthood is an obscure anomaly, which endures only because a Polish pope has refused to move with the times. “But everyone agrees that the Catholic Church will one day ordain women. Surely it’s just […]
The Spirituality of Celibacy
FR. WILLIAM SAUNDERS Last week, we traced the historical development of how celibacy came to be required for clergy in the Roman Catholic Church (except in several of the Eastern Rite Churches). This week we will now examine the spirituality which undergirds the regulation. The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Presbyterorum […]
The Male Priesthood: The Argument From Sacred Tradition
MARK LOWERY In May of 1994 John Paul II promulgated Ordinatio Sacerdotalis which declared definitely that the Catholic priesthood is reserved for males. Hence, the question of the priesthood in its relation to sexuality — a question usually posed more simply as “Why can there not be women priests?” — has now been answered in a definitive […]
‘The call’ – ancient and ever new.
Rev. David J. Erickson Homily delivered January 1, 2012, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Lander, Wyoming. “The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, ‘Here I am.’” The Psalmist says, “Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will.” John the Baptist points to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God.” Andrew follows and asks, “Where are you staying?” Jesus says, “Come, and you will […]
The Biblical Foundation of Priestly Celibacy
Ignace de la Potterie, S.J. For several centuries there has been much debate as to whether the obligation of celibacy for clerics in major orders (or at least that of living in continence for those who are married) is of biblical origin or whether it is based merely on ecclesiastical tradition dating back to the […]