Friday, March 10, 2017

What Does the Holy Spirit Want Pope Francis To Do About The Question Of Married Priests?

I've often thought about the question of what God's will is regarding married priests in the Roman Catholic Church. I love the Church and so it's a question I've pondered for a long time. It bothers me that some Catholics don't have access to the Eucharist because of the lack of priests in poor, undeveloped countries. I've been active in the Church my whole adult life, in different roles and I've known some very religious married men of exemplary character and virtue who I thought would make excellent priests. Some of them have become deacons in the Church.
I've also worried about Latin and South America, and third world countries where there are a shortage of priests. I've thought that if missionary Catholic priests were married, their wives could help in the missions as is the case with Protestant ministers.
It's something that Pope Francis and the Cardinals and Bishops should pray over and discuss because we're living in difficult times. People need access to the sacraments so their faith can be strengthened and they can receive the graces of the sacraments. There are so many distractions, choices, gadgets as well as technology in the modern world, which can pull people away from the faith.  I believe a good holy priest, (whether they are married or not), can be a great blessing, wherever they minister and help unite people to Christ and Christian values.
It takes great courage for Pope Francis to bring up the question of married priests. I pray he is guided by the Holy Spirit and does the will of God. The Pope and the Church hierarchy needs the guidance of the Spirit as well as some common sense and pragmatism as well.
Come Holy Spirit Come! Veni Sanctus Spiritus!
NJA