De Souza: Missionary Failure?

http://m.ncregister.com/daily-news/married-priests-and-missionary-failure

Focusing on the failure of missionary efforts in the Amazon, Fr. de Sousa wrote:

"What’s new in the viri probati proposal is that married men, always Catholics of the Latin rite, could be ordained not only deacons, but priests. It would be a substantial change and a novelty, but not a complete novelty.

It is a novelty as a response to the lack of clergy in a large mission territory. Those familiar with the history of the Church in the United States and Canada would recognize the situation of the Amazon as similar to the early years of the Church in North America, where the few missionary clergy from France and Spain had immense territories to cover. Those historical accounts can be read in the Jesuit Relations or in the letters of the Spanish missions or the first bishops of Quebec. Willa Cather’s acclaimed novel Death Comes for the Archbishop gives that same history dramatic treatment in the setting of New Mexico.

The problem of pastoral care of the Amazon is, therefore, not a new problem. The viri probati solution is new. It argues that the local population is, for whatever reason, unable to provide priestly vocations and that missionary vocations are not to be had. By default, therefore, a relaxation of priestly celibacy is in order.

The viri probati proposal, therefore, is not advanced as a good in itself, but, rather, as a concession to a sustained missionary failure. This constitutes two failures, actually: a failure of evangelization, in that the local Catholic population seems incapable of producing priestly vocations, and a failure of the surrounding countries to provide missionary priests to serve the people.

The latter problem is acute. Latin America, even 500 years after the arrival of the early missionaries, still does not produce priestly vocations in the numbers that have been seen in Europe and North America. Hence, it has few missionary priests to send even in its own lands, to say nothing of going abroad. The Church in Brazil, for example, most proximate to the Amazon, has nothing compared to the clerical strength of numbers that permitted Irish, French and Spanish missionary priests to come to the New World, or even current priests from India and Nigeria who serve abroad.

Modifications of priestly celibacy in the Latin rite have come largely in response to the desire for Christian unity and out of respect for the Eastern tradition of married deacons and priests. A modification in response to pastoral failure within the Latin rite would be a new step."

Conservative Lay British Catholics Favor Married Priests

Source: https://catholicherald.co.uk/issues/november-17th-2017/the-unlikely-champions-of-married-priests

The retired Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe is no one’s idea of a liberation theologian. But she supports married priests. “In this country, hundreds of Anglican priests have crossed over to Rome and stayed married, whereas a Catholic priest must choose between marrying and his vocation,” she told me. “But I don’t think we should lift the celibacy rule wholesale. That would cause a lot of division. What the Pope should do, rather, is leave it to the archbishops and let it be decided on a case-by-case basis.”

Damian Thompson, editor-in-chief of the Catholic Herald, agrees. “A vocation to celibacy isn’t the same thing as a vocation to the priesthood,” he observes. “We already recognise that by ordaining married men who belong to Eastern Rite churches or were previously Anglican clergy.”

He hopes that married priests would solve more problems than just the vocations crisis.

“This is a delicate point,” Thompson says, “but I think the ban on marriage lies behind the dramatic over-representation of gay priests in parts of the West. Although most of these men lead faithful celibate lives, and I’m horrified by attempts to exclude gay men from seminaries, shouldn’t we address this imbalance?”

Then there are pastoral concerns.

“This is my main point,” says Thompson. “I know married Catholic men who would make outstanding priests. Ending compulsory celibacy would be a radical step but ultimately a far safer one than allowing women deacons, which would inevitably lead to schism.”

Lord Alton of Liverpool, one of Britain’s foremost Catholic laymen, also cites the Eastern Churches, most of which have never required their priests to remain celibate. “I have travelled in many jurisdictions where, for centuries, Greek Catholic and other Rites, in full communion with Rome, have married priests who faithfully serve their communities,” says the leading pro-life champion. “So, Pope Francis is acting in accordance with precedent and current practice in suggesting that diocesan bishops may base their decision on pastoral needs.”

Clement of Alexandria; Stromata

Clement of Alexandria

Or do they (the 'false' Gnostics) also scorn the apostles? Peter and Philip had children, and Philip gave his daughters in marriage. Even Paul did not hesitate in one letter to address his 'consort'. The only reason why he did not take her about with him was that it would have been an inconvenience for his ministry. Accordingly he says in a letter: "Have we not a right to take about with us a wife that is a sister like the other apostles?" (1 Corinthians 9:5) But the latter, in accordance with their particular ministry, devoted themselves to preaching without any distraction, and took their wives with them not as women with whom they had marriage relations, but as 'sisters', that they might be their fellow-ministers in dealing with housewives. It was through them that the Lord's teaching penetrated also the women's quarters without any scandal being aroused. We also know the directions about women deacons which are given by the noble Paul in his second letter to Timothy. Furthermore, the selfsame man cried aloud that "the kingdom of God does not consist in food and drink," not indeed in abstinence from wine and meat, "but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17) Which of them goes about like Elijah clad in a sheepskin and a leather girdle? Which of them goes about like Isaiah, naked except for a piece of sacking and without shoes? Or clothed merely in a linen loincloth like Jeremiah? Which of them will imitate John's gnostic way of life? The blessed prophets also lived in this manner and were thankful to the Creator.

Stromata, Book III, 6

They say, accordingly, that the blessed Peter, on seeing his wife led to death, rejoiced on account of her call and conveyance home, and called very encouragingly and comfortingly, addressing her by name, "Remember the Lord." Such was the marriage of the blessed and their perfect disposition towards those dearest to them. 
Thus also the Apostle says, "that he who marries should be as though he married not," (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:29) and deem his marriage free of inordinate affection, and inseparable from love to the Lord; to which the true husband exhorted his wife to cling on her departure out of this life to the Lord.

Was not then faith in the hope after death conspicuous in the case of those who gave thanks to God even in the very extremities of their punishments? For firm, in my opinion, was the faith they possessed, which was followed by works of faith.

Stromata, Book VII, 11

"Munus Sanctificandi" in Bishop Fritz Lobinger: Francis Interview on Papal Flight From WYD Panama

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-text-of-pope-francis-in-flight-press-conference-from-panama-27002

Pigozzi: For four days, we have seen many young people praying with such intensity. Among them there is maybe a certain number that intend to embrace the religious life, you can think that a certain number have a vocation. But maybe someone is hesitating because he thinks that it will be a difficult path not being able to marry. Is it possible to think that in the Catholic Church, following the Eastern rite, you will permit married men to become priests?  

Pope Francis: In the Eastern rite of the Catholic Church they may do it. The celibate option is given before diaconate [ordination].

Pigozzi: But now, with the Catholic Church of the Latin rite, do you think that you will reconsider the decision [of priestly celibacy]?

Pope Francis: For the Latin rite, I am reminded of a phrase of St. Paul VI: "I prefer to give my life before changing the law of celibacy." This came to me and I want to say it because it is a courageous phrase. In a moment more difficult than this -- it was in the years 1968-1970. Personally, I think that celibacy is a gift to the Church. Secondly, I would say that I do not agree with permitting optional celibacy, no. There remains only some possibility for very far places. I think of the Pacific islands, when there is a pastoral necessity, the pastor should think of the faithful.

There is an interesting book by Fr. Lobinger [Ed. note: Fritz Lobinger, bishop emeritus of Aliwal, South Africa] [on this topic] -- this is an issue of discussion between theologians, it is not yet my decision -- my decision is: optional celibacy before the diaconate, no. It is my thought, personally, but I would not do it. And this remains clear. It is only my personal thought. Am I narrow-minded, maybe? I do not want to put myself before God with this decision.

Fr. Lobinger says that the Church makes the Eucharist and the Eucharist makes the Church. But where there is not the Eucharist, do you think Caroline, in the Pacific islands, maybe there... In many places, says Lobinger, who does the Eucharist? The directors, the organizers of those communities are deacons or sisters, or directly, the laity. And Lobinger says: you can ordain an older married man, it is his thesis, but only that exercise the munus santificandi, that is, that celebrate the Mass, that administer the sacrament of reconciliation and of unction.

Priestly ordination gives three munera[functions]: regendi [governing], that that commands; docendi [teaching], that that teaches, and santificandi[sanctifying]. This comes with ordination. But the bishop gives them [the viri probati] only the license of santificandi. The book [of Lobinger] is interesting. And maybe it could help to think about the problem. I believe that the problem should be open in this sense: where there is a pastoral problem due to the lack of priests. I do not say that it should be done, because I have not reflected, I have not prayed sufficiently on this. But the theology should be studied.

For example, Fr. Lobinger is an example, is a fidei donum of South Africa. [The potential candidate for priesthood] is already a mature man. I make this example to show the places where it should be done. I was speaking with an official of the Secretary of State, a bishop, that had worked in a communist country at the beginning of the revolution. When he had seen the crisis of the Revolution arrive it was the 1950s. The bishops secretly ordained peasants, of good religious faith. The crisis passed and 30 years later the thing was resolved. And he told me the emotion that he had when during a concelebration of the Mass he saw these farmers with their farmer hands put on their shirts to concelebrate with the bishops. This has been given in the history of the Church. It is something to study, think, rethink, and pray about.

Pigozzi: But there are also married Protestant clergy that have become Catholic?

Pope Francis: You ask me a question about that which Benedict did, that it is true, I had forgotten this. Benedict XVI made the "Anglicanorum coetibus" [Ed. creating personal ordinariates for the reception of former anglicans]. Anglican priests that have become Catholic and maintain the life an Eastern priest would. I remember in a Wednesday audience that I saw many men with a collar, but many women and children with them, in the hands of the priests, and they explained it to me... it's true, thank you for reminding me of this.

Celibacy Should Have Freed Priests to Speak Out Against Evils Within the Church

This writer from "Catholic World Report" makes an excellent observation, without necessarily advocating the lifting of obligatory Latin rite celibacy.

The article by Altieri notes that celibacy is intended to free a man from worldly concerns of feeding and supporting a wife and family.  A married man will be concerned with providing for his family and thus will be inclined to shut his mouth (more than a celibate man).

Yet even celibate men, the author insightfully continued, remained and continue to remain silent knowing the evils they saw and continue to see.  Their celibacy should help them speak up...even if it meant crucifixion and martyrdom!

I add that St. Max Kolbe, when giving his life for a married man, was an example of speaking up without the cares of the world.

See full article here:

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2019/01/10/clerical-celibacy-and-moral-compromise/

Scandal Crisis Prompts Revisiting Married Priest Question

The question of married Latin rite priests has resurfaced lately in light of Vigano's bombshell letter which claims an active homosexual network in the priesthood.

There are multiple ways to frame a case for dispensing from mandatory celibacy vis-a-vis the presumed validity of the active homosexual priesthood claim above.  One argument can be made as follows:

ARGUMENT #1:

Premise 1: The active homosexual priest abuse scandal is present throughout multiple levels of the Church.  No (arch)diocesan structures are immune.

Premise 2: Married men generally do not act on homosexual inclinations and/or predations.  This is particularly proven by the overall witness of 40,000 married deacons.

Premise 3: The crisis is compounded by public perception, whether founded or unfounded, which reacts unfavorably to the freely-chosen celibate life.  Public perception is also favorable to homosexual persons but not predatory homosexual persons.

Conclusion: A married priesthood, therefore, lessens the presence of predatory priests and gradually restores public confidence in the Catholic Church over time.

(Note 1: Conclusion substantially alleviates, not systemically resolves, current crisis.)

(Note 2: Conservative arguments hold that there is no or little correlation to celibacy and homosexuality.)

Continence-Celibacy Already "Removed Together" for Ordained Married Men

Deacon David Lopez concludes the following in his blog Sioux City Deacon Formation here which was accessed on March 21, 2017:


Therefore, I am lead to conclude (at least tentatively), Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI have all understood Canon 277.1 to involve one obligation, that of continence-and-celibacy, and not two separate obligations. In permitting married men to be ordained, both aspects of the one obligation are removed together.

__________________________________________________

Deacon Lopez's point above is important for two reasons:

First, it shows that the three Roman Pontiffs have understood the sense and meaning of continence in Canon 277 to mean that the obligation to celibacy and continence is already removed.

Second, in the current discussion of possibly ordaining married men to the priesthood, the continence canon does not impose a celibacy-continence obligation.  Case closed.

"Clarify This Canon Quickly" (Priest's Wife's Blog)

From a priest's wife's blog Fear Not Little Flock accessed here on March 21, 2017:


One question that has been posed a few times on various sites and which is not answered is- How does marital relations negatively effect an ordained married man's ministry? All married people are called to chastity and occasional continence. Ordained married men are no exception. Of course, discretion and dignity is key, but all married couples should be dignified in their public actions. I feel it is undignified to calculate conception dates and contemplate any person's sex life.

If the Church has allowed married men to be ordained as deacons in the Roman rite and are allowing a 'new wave' of married men to be ordained priests from the Anglican Church for the Roman rite, shouldn't there be new canons to address these issues?

She noted Dr. Peters and Fr. Z who raised the continence post-ordination issue.  Yes, dear priest's wife, you do have a say.

(She didn't note that Dr. Peters himself brought up the option of eliminating the continence canon, and that eliminating the continence canon can be done even though there may be no historical precedence in the West for doing so.)  The priest's wife brings up a good question about clarifying canonical issues.

According to this position, even if married men were ordained to the priesthood -- and diaconate -- for that matter, Canon 277 in the 1983 Code of Canon Law that calls for clerics to practice continence-- perpetual continence, that is.

Perhaps the simple approach is not so much eliminating the canon but granting simple dispensation from the canon on continence of married permanent deacons and married priests.....

....and there you go: Problem solved! 

Blessed Mykola "Nicholas" Konrad (Husband/Father, Grandfather, Priest, Teacher, Martyr)

Born: 1876

Married: 

Ordained: 1899 (served as teacher)

Martyred: 1941 (shot by communist agents in a forest)
Beatified: 2001 by St. John Paul II

Source 1: http://stjosaphat.ab.ca/blessed-mykola-nicholas-konrad/

(Source 2: Catholic Saints here)

Excerpt from Catholic Saints:

Also known as

• Nicholas Konrad

Memorial

• 26 June

Profile

Greek Catholic. Studied philosophy and theology at Rome, Italy. Ordained in 1899. Taught in high schools in Berezhony and Tereboblya. Taught at the TheologicalAcademy in 1930. Parish priest at Stradch. Pastor of the Archeparchy of Lviv for the Ukrainians. Martyr.

Born

• 16 May 1876 at Strusiv, Ternopil District, Ukraine

Died

• tortured and murdered by NKVD agents on 26 June1941 in the forest outside Stradch, Yavoriv, L’vivs’ka oblast’, Ukraine

Venerated

• 24 April 2001 by Pope John Paul II (decree of martyrdom)

Beatified

• 27 June 2001 by Pope John Paul II at Ukraine

Additional Information

• other sites in english
  • Hagiography Circle
• sitios en español
  • Martirologio Romano, 2001 edición
• fonti in italiano
  • Martirologio Romano, 2005 edition
  • Santi e Beati
• nettsteder i norsk
  • Den katolske kirke

MLA Citation

• “Blessed Mykola Konrad“. CatholicSaints.Info. 22 June 2017. Web. 9 November 2019. <http://catholicsaints.info/blessed-mykola-konrad/>

This is one source I could find of him being married here.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Blessed Emilian Kovch (Husband/Father, Priest, Martyr)

(1884-1944)

Born: 1884

Married: ? (father of 6 children)

Ordained: 1911 (served as chaplain to soldiers fighting Bolsheviks & served in Ukraine)

Martyred: 1944 (Majdanek Concentration Camp)
Beatified: 2001 by St. John Paul II

(Source: Catholic Online here)

Excerpt from Catholic Online:

Emilian graduated from the College of Sergius and Bachus in Rome. Married, and father of six. Ordained in 1911. Worked throughout Galacia, and with Ukrainian immigrants to Yugoslavia. Chaplain to Ukrainian soldiers fighting the Bolsheviks in 1919. Parish priest in 1922 at Peremyshliany, Ukraine, a village of 5,000, most of whom were Jewish. An active priest, he organized pilgrimages and youth groups, and welcomed poor and orphaned children of all faiths into his home.

When the Nazis invaded Ukraine, they began rounding up Jews. To save them, Father Emilian began baptizing them, and listing them as Christians. The Nazis were wise to this trick, and had prohibited it. Emilian continued, but was arrested by the Gestapo in December 1942. Deported to the Majdanek concentration camp in August 1943. There he ministered to prisoners, hearing confessions, and celebrating Mass when possible. Martyred in the ovens.

Last known words to his wife: "My dear, do not cry or be upset. God has put me here in this place of death and terror. Yesterday, 50 men were executed. Can you imagine? I was able to be with them in their last hours to bring them the consolation of God and Christ. Do not weep, I am here in fulfillment of God's Will!" (Source: contributor named Alexander Roman on Jan. 14, 2011, to Catholic Answers Forum here)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin: "Modifications" to Priestly Celibacy With Unity & God's Will

From article "Pope says married men could be ordained- if world's bishops agree," Tablet, here in 2014:


Last September the Vatican Secretary of State, then-Archbishop Pietro Parolin – who was then Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela – answered a question put to him by El Universal newspaper by stating that 

priestly celibacy “is not part of church dogma and the issue is open to discussion because it is an ecclesiastical tradition”.

“Modifications can be made, but these must always favour unity and God’s will,” he said.

“God speaks to us in many different ways. We need to pay attention to this voice that points us towards causes and solutions, for example the clergy shortage.”