My comment left on 'Catholic World Report' article of Oct. 9 by Dr. Adam DeVille:
While maintaining celibacy in the Latin rite as a norm, the Holy See may also grant dispensation under Canon 1047.2 upon petition of the local bishop (or bishops conference) to ordain some married deacons to the priesthood after a fruitful diaconate and suitable formation on a case-by-case basis. Both celibacy and continence would thereby be dispensed by the Holy See for viri probati married deacons ordained to the priesthood in the Latin rite. Celibacy would remain the general norm alongside these particular cases for married priests canonicially dispensed by the Holy See:
1) Pastoral Provision
2) Ordinariate
3) Viri Probati Dispensation: Married deacons ordained to the priesthood where the local bishop determines the need like in the early Church (a fruitful diaconate would thus be a significant stepping stone to the priesthood as a testing ground).
Ordaining tested married men in the diaconate (Viri Probati) to the presbyterate is the best way forward without abolishing celibacy as the general norm.
The Church taketh away, but the Church also giveth.
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