Posted on 05/29/2009 8:21:39 AM PDT by NYer
The New York Times nails it!
A judgmental article.
Now, will he marry the woman ASAP?
He should.
I'd say that's more than a little simplistic.
St. Paul knew the score 2000 years ago: To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Cor. 7:8-9)
Celibacy is unnatural. It's a fine discipline for those so-called, but it is not natural, and it not healthy for most of us.
Rev. Cutié may have thought he had enough self-control when he entered the priesthood, and he ended up not having it. That does not mean that he has abandoned his faith, however.
Wow look at the death stare!
I agree entirely. He realized he could no longer play by the rules of the priesthood, and he bowed out. There is no shame there, it is not an easy path many of us could follow. I know I cound’t. I won’t fault the man for having the desires of a man.
I’m unaware of anyone allowed into the priesthood who is still married? There is one who coverted but he is a widower.
A divorce to join the church is just as bad as fornication.
Celibacy is a discipline, as you rightly note. A difficult one. However, thousands of holy men and women have given witness to its value and glory to God for over two thousand years. John Paul II, of happy memory, called it "the brightest jewel of our priesthood" for indeed that is what is is and the saints and martyrs have died rather than abandon it.
Today's world sees it as ridiculous but it is a poor judge. The world of unrestrained sexuality finds it impossible to understand.
By Catholic Church rule called the Pauline privilege, the Catholic Church permits a married Episcopalian Priest to stay married if he joins the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church recognizes the priesthood of the Episcopalian church because their priests have valid holy orders that were bestowed upon them dating back to the time of Henry the VIII. Since the original Church of England Bishops possessed valid Catholic Holy Orders, the validity of Episcopalian priests was carried forward to present time. If this guy had married first become an Episcopalian Priest and then converted to Catholicism he would be able to maintain his marital status. Ridiculous is it not>
Actually, quite a few catholic men are married. Some are even former priests.
No, he did not give up his faith. He did the next best thing he could do. He loved this woman and joined a church that would allow him to serve God and remain a Christian.
You don't have to be a priest to serve God, the Catholic church offers many ways. The difference between Catholics and Episcopalians has been called an inch wide (liturgy looks the same) but miles deep (serious doctrinal differences). So, he has certainly left his faith, though hopefully not his faith in God. I've known several Catholic Priests who have gone Epi. They haven't all been troubled souls. Best wishes to Mr. Curie in the future.
If you were familiar with the modern Episcopal church, you would not describe it as Christian.
The new convert's orders are usually considered invalid. In those cases where they become priests and remain married, they are not given "the cure of souls". In other words, they don't have a parish.
Hope this is helpful - my information may be out of date.
By Catholic Church rule called the Pauline privilege, the Catholic Church permits a married Episcopalian Priest to stay married if he joins the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church recognizes the priesthood of the Episcopalian church because their priests have valid holy orders that were bestowed upon them dating back to the time of Henry the VIII. Since the original Church of England Bishops possessed valid Catholic Holy Orders, the validity of Episcopalian priests was carried forward to present time. If this guy had married first become an Episcopalian Priest and then converted to Catholicism he would be able to maintain his marital status. Ridiculous is it not>
What would you suggest? That Fr. Cutie be locked in a cell? The likelihood is that even if the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak.
Celibacy is a discipline, as you rightly note. A difficult one. However, thousands of holy men and women have given witness to its value and glory to God for over two thousand years.
And many, many of them have fallen short, too. This is one of those things that drive me nuts. Here you are, pontificating on how another person should stick to a discipline that you are unwilling to undertake for yourself. You don't even know the extent to which he wrestled with it, nor the strength of the temptation that drew him away. But, safe in your position of never having to deal with it yourself, you feel safe in judging him for his failure.
Today's world sees it as ridiculous but it is a poor judge. The world of unrestrained sexuality finds it impossible to understand.
Jesus understands this man's difficulties. You, apparently, know better.
Sorry, no. Read Apostolicae Curae.
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