Earlier this week, it was reported in the media that a priest was leaving so he could then be free to marry someone he loves.Here in CWI, we were aware of this situation for some time, but we felt it was not our place to interfere in this matter as compassion, support and best wishes are in order.
It again raises the issue of possibility of reflecting and changing the rule of celibacy, but we know we have to wait for the changing of the Pope before even consideration would be given.
We wait in eternal hope, but let us hope and pray that no more good men have to leave for happiness in their lives.
Every blessing and best wish to Fr Noel in his new life with his true love.
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Well said.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that a man had to postpone getting married until after his mid-60's because of the Church rules.
Everyone deserves a companion and true happiness.
If other denominations can marry and have a wife and children and can still do God's work in their Church why do the Pope's still insist on this long outdated rule.
May this long serving Priest have a long and happy retirement with his beloved. He deserves it.
There has never been a time from the time of Christ to the present that there have not been married priests validly serving as priests in the Roman Catholic Church. I agree that the rule of celibacy should be withdrawn and the life of celibacy left as an option for the individual contemplating a call to Holy Orders. Had that been the case when I was in seminary, I would likely be a priest.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the two comments above.
ReplyDeleteI would add that the "ordinary" circumstances of layfolks'-living contribute to and demand greater maturity and authenticity than the peculiarly privileged and often cosseted lifestyle of the priest persons.
Fr Noel, you are FREE! Every blessing . . .
As multos annos
I disagree. Celibate life has its challenges, but so does married life. The idea of "happily ever after" just is not realistic. Being married is not "a chance for true happiness"----it is a lot more difficult than living as a celibate.
ReplyDeleteI feel sad about this case.I feel that there could be married priests.However no one is obliged to be a priest.We are free.Some want to have all the affirmation of being a priest without the cost.The cross is part of a christian vocation.No one has the right to be a priest.Nor does the church need Me or Fr Noel.Sometimes we think that I am the story.God is the story.I wish him well in a cosy sort of way.
ReplyDeleteCiaran