Thus begins the Year of the Priest
From H2onews, the Catholic news app for the iPod Touch:
Friday, June 19th marks the opening of the Year for Priests, which Benedict XVI initiated in connection with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, who will be proclaimed the universal patron saint of all priests.
The jubilee year, which has the theme “Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of priests,” will be inaugurated by the Pope at a vespers celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Day of Priestly Sanctification. The relics of the Curé of Ars will be brought to Rome for the occasion by Bishop Guy Claude Bagnard of the diocese of Belley-Ars.
The close of the Year for Priests, to occur precisely one year later on June 19th, 2010, will be marked by the “World Meeting of Priests” in St. Peter’s Square.
The jubilee year foresees the publication of a “Directory for Confessors and Spiritual Directors” and a collection of the Pope’s texts on essential themes for the life and mission of the priest in the current age.
Having announced the Year for Priests on March 16th, the Pope explained that the initiative aims to foster the priest’s yearning “for spiritual perfection, upon which the effectiveness of their ministry principally depends.”
Given the scandals involving priests that have recently shaken public opinion, Benedict XVI therefore convoked the priestly year to demonstrate that these faults do not represent the majority of the clergy.
This is, overall, a good move by the Church, and by Pope Benedict, especially in light of the recent scandal in Ireland. It could not be a more opportune moment to reiterate and to stress the fundamental holiness of the priesthood.
Of course, by the same token, I can see how this is also a move that will invite a renewal of certain controversies surrounding the priesthood. Making this the “Year of the Priest” invites a re-opening (or rather: a fanning of the flames) of such things as the argument over celibacy and whether priests should be allowed to marry, and whether women can or should be ordained to the priesthood.
(Aw heck: I’m sure some of the more brazen liberal theologians will even attempt to read into the subtext of the year’s theme a hidden signal that the Pope intends to formally address these very issues, and then in a manner to satisfy every progressive whim.)
Don’t get me wrong: I whole-heartedly believe that this is an excellent time for the Church to focus on its priests and their sacramental office. I just also happen to think that a bit of additional loin-girding may well be warranted.
But then, I never claimed to be an optimist where human affairs are concerned.
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