Podcasts about married priests

Join Fred Bodimer as he explores the weekend's top religious stories. This week, CBS's Nora O'Donnell interviews Pope Francis in a historic sit-down for 60 Minutes, discussing his decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples, a move that has sparked diverse reactions within the Catholic community. The conversation also touches on Pope Francis's views on immigration and the controversy surrounding a Catholic charity in Texas. 

The podcast kicks off with Lino at a luncheon...and saying dumb things, like normal. After that, the Confirmation Sponsee calls in to talk Holy Spirit. Then, Tyler asks if it's possible to ask God for too many things. And the podcast wraps up by deciding on married priests!

 This week Murray and Brian discuss The Kissing Cardinal's pornographic book uncovered New Push for Married priest The Southern Border and the Immigration story; what should Catholics think? The Release of Epstein Documents. Remember to support CFN by purchasing books from Angelico Press https://angelicopress.com/catholicfamilynews and Sophia Institute Press https://sophiainstitute.com/product-category/books/ref/63/. 

In this episode we are joined again by Father William Waun, an Ordinariate priest of the Chair of Saint Peter. Father Waun talks about the Ordinariate, Old English Catholicism, the cultural differences between Catholic rites, and serving as a Navy chaplain. Episode 80 SHOW HOSTS: Deacon Harold Burke Sivers Nick De La Torre Ellen Holmes Steeves LeBlanc SUPPORT our show: theprodigallife.com Website for the Ordinariate - https://ordinariate.net SHOW PAGE: https://www.awakencatholic.org/the-prodigal-life/ordinariate-catholics-liturgy-culture-and-married-priests-w-fr-william-wuan Catholic Gifts - https://catholic.store/collections/prodigal-life-deacon-dan-sivers-gift-guide Catholic SWAG - https://catholicmerch.store THE AWAKEN APP: http://theawakenapp.io Bring the AWAKEN MISSION to your parish! https://www.awakencatholic.church/mission

A new study shows that married people are, by far, the most happy Americans. Would it bother you if your parish priest was married? And, celebrating the “Dominator”.   I'm a married Catholic priest who thinks priests shouldn't get married https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2017/03/21/i-m-a-married-catholic-priest-who-thinks-priests-shouldn-t-get-married/   Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy https://ignatius.com/apostolic-origins-of-priestly-celibacy-aopcp/

Grace comments on Pope Francis' latest comments about "temporary" mandated celibacy of Catholic priests. Grace doesn't have a strong opinion on the topic, so she opens the lines to hear what callers think. Some callers belong to Orthodox faiths, where priests may marry. Others think it's a horrible idea. Tune in to see if your opinion was represented!

In this concluding discussion, Maryknoll priest, professor, communicator and small Christian community pioneer in Africa, Fr Joe Healey, celebrates the development and achievement of African theology. He calls for a more creative church in Africa and hopes for a day when the Catholic Church in Africa will begin to ordain married men as priests. He sees this as an important item to be discussed in the synodal encounter of the African continent in Addis Ababa. He also bemoans the plight of same-sex persons in Africa and calls on the Church in Africa to welcome them rather than deny their existence in Africa. 

The Bishop of Elphin has been responding to come of the proposals coming from Church members as part of the Synodality consultation programme. These have included call for women priests, married priests, and more involvement of the LGBTQ community

CANDID - Can There Be Married Priests?: On today's episode of candid the crew sat down with priest, author, and theologian Fr. Dwight Longenecker to talk about the culture, Church teaching, and the many distractions that can persuade us from keeping our eyes on Christ.--Visit our website:https://arrayofhope.org/Sign up for FREE on the Array of Hope Channel app:https://watch.arrayofhope.net/Available on Apple TV, Roku, iOS, and Android mobile devices.Follow Array of Hope on:Facebook: @ArrayofHopeEventInstagram: @arrayofhopeshowTwitter: @arrayofhopeshowSnapchat: @arrayofhopeListen to Array of Hope's music on your streaming platform of choice:https://lnk.to/arrayofhope#faith #hope #love #Christianity #Catholicism #inspire #inspiration #holiness #life #grace #Good News #theology

Taylor has a lot of off-the-wall questions for Fr. Anthony Sciarappa. How do celibate priests feel about married priests? Why do Catholics have to be so weird sometimes(ex. misspell normal words)? And finally, Taylor tries to trap Fr. Anthony in a question about Heaven. Fun! They also introduce a brand new game that you'll either love or hate called "Read my Lips." They take turns explaining basic Catholic terms to each other, but the twist is, the other person has their volume turned all the way down so it's all based on reading the lips of the other person. This game was hilarious to play. We're interested to hear if you love or hate it lol. Thanks for listening! Y'all rock! :) Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show and #MakeCatholicismFunAgain by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

The dust has still not settled after Pope Francis unexpectedly – and very pointedly – ignored pleas (https://spectator.us/pope-rebuffs-liberal-supporters-rejecting-married-priests/) from liberal Catholics to ordain married men as priests. They had a fully worked-out plan in place, but the Pope had pressed the 'delete' button. So what happened? With Vatican expert Dr Ed Condon, Washington bureau chief of the Catholic News Agency and a canon lawyer. Holy Smoke is a series of podcasts where Damian Thompson dissects the most important and controversial topics in world religion, with a range of high profile guests. Click here (https://audioboom.com/channel/holy-smoke) to find previous episodes.

The dust has still not settled after Pope Francis unexpectedly – and very pointedly – ignored pleas (https://spectator.us/pope-rebuffs-liberal-supporters-rejecting-married-priests/) from liberal Catholics to ordain married men as priests. They had a fully worked-out plan in place, but the Pope had pressed the 'delete' button. So what happened? With Vatican expert Dr Ed Condon, Washington bureau chief of the Catholic News Agency and a canon lawyer. Presented by Damian Thompson.

On this episode of the podcast, JD and Ed discuss Pope Francis’ decision not to permit married priests or female deacons in the Amazon region, and other important implications of the Pope’s recent post-synodal apostolic exhortation, “Querida Amazonia.” Along the way, they also discuss the Houston Astros, suits, Tim Tebow, Laudato Si, and much more. They also play "Amazonia/Amazon Price is Right." Shownotes: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20200202_querida-amazonia.html https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-amazon-exhortation-calls-for-holiness-not-married-priests-42216 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-officials-querida-amazonia-is-magisterium-amazon-synods-final-doc-is-not-54859 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/what-francis-said-and-didnt-on-priesthood-and-marriage-in-querida-amazonia-43239 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/popes-amazon-doc-calls-for-women-in-church-leadership-but-not-diaconate-95762 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/inculturation-is-a-necessary-process-in-the-amazon-pope-francis-says-42121 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-gomez-welcomes-querida-amazonia-34348 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/a-lack-of-courage-germans-divided-over-pope-francis-amazonian-exhortation-76237 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-querida-amazonia-80777 http://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_12081950_humani-generis.html

Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can you look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi? Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ was radical, he broke many customs. If he had wanted women to be priests, he would have chosen them to be priests … Mary [Mother of God] was far holier than Peter. Mary Magdalene showed up to the foot of the Cross. Guess who wasn’t at the foot of the Cross—Peter, Thomas, Matthew. Many of these women were far holier than the first priests. However, in God’s will, he chose men to be the matter for the sacrament of priesthood. SHOWNOTES Glory Story (3:05) Women Priests (7:49) Hi Father, I know you mentioned before you wanted to do a themed show. So I recently heard you speak on church tradition, and the difference between big “T” and little “t” tradition which I’m sure you would elaborate on, maybe even sing about. I wanted to suggest that as a possible theme for the show. I had a specific question pertaining to this topic, and was hoping you’d speak on this: are male only priests a little “t” tradition or a big “T” tradition? I’ve recently been challenged on the church’s position on men as priests and found myself stuck when trying to engage in dialogue on the matter. I’m somewhat familiar with the theology on this but any clarification and insight would be fantastic. Thank you for all you do as a servant and radical disciple of our Lord, for your continued “yes” in answering the call, and example of servant leadership. You are constantly in our prayers. – Shanna Married Priests (21:02) Father Josh, Yesterday my family and I had an interesting debate over Sunday dinner on our faith and the Catholic religion. To give context, my father is a 7th Day Adventist and my mother is Catholic, which provided an interesting decision for my parents to decide which religion my sister and I would grow up with. Ultimately, my parents decided to raise us in the Catholic Church. My sister and I went to Catholic school all of our lives and have been committed to the principles of our faith through our adult lives. In recent years, our faith has been challenged with exposure to other religions through friends and even through our father’s side of the family. We will be asked questions about traditions within the Catholic faith and we would not have the proper response other than, “this is just the way we’ve done it for years.” Of course this is mainly our fault for not asking these questions about various traditions, but in many instances we feel that some of the traditions within the Catholic religion are lost in translation by being passed from generation to generation without explanation. This has a compounding effect in generations like the true knowledge or intent of many Catholic traditions. Our discussion became further involved when my father brought up an article entitled, “Catholic bishops approve proposal allowing some married men to be ordained priests in the Amazon.” In my opinion, it is well known for the intent and reason that a priest should not be married but this has always been a determining factor for young men that seek the priesthood. There are only a select few that have the gift and dedication such as you to connect with this church family in an effective way, and willing to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. I’ve only had the privilege to experience a priest through one possibly two of my church communities in my life. I think that one of the reasons is this tradition. Curious to hear your thoughts and if this is approved, what would be the potential impact for the greater Catholic community? Keep up the good work, love listening to your podcast. I’m a Houston native, Lafayette raised, and work overseas. Hearing your cultural references and coffee in the morning brings a smile to my face when hearing the show. – Bryan Flawed Priests (32:20) How do you see Christ in your priest when his actions and words don’t seem to match up with Jesus? I’m continuously praying the Litany of Humility, and maybe God is trying to make me live that through the actions of the priest, but how do I get past his humanity and see Christ in him? – Bridget Resources: * Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com * Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe for the chance to win a free copy of Fr. Josh’s new book!

Retired Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his view on Celibacy and the priesthood in a book to be released later this month. - O loo fesiligia e nisi le tala feagai o le finagalo faaalia o Pope Penitito XVI, le sa avea ma TupuSa o le Ekalesia Katoliko Roma, ae na faamavae ma le tofi i le 2013.

Neil & I talk about the much debated Amazon Synod. Never heard of it? Well, then let us tell you that there is nothing to write home about here. However, Neil and I do talk about controversies such as Women deacons, Married Priests, and Monty Python. Neil is drinking Samuel Grant Burbon Whiskey, and he keeps calling it Steven Grant, and I'm drinking water because of Exodus 90 (me so holy). It's a fun conversation full of laughs and random crap. Enjoy.

In this episode, Tim talks about severe weather in his neighborhood, and a big possible change for the Catholic Church, while Bengt raves about his team at the World Series.

The summit was in Rome, the focus was on the Amazon. But for Bishop Robert McElroy, leader of San Diego's diocese and one of only three Americans among the 185 delegates to the Vatican's Pan-Amazon Synod, the issues hit close to home. McElroy returned to San Diego last week to find traditionalists in an uproar. Along with most of the delegates, McElroy had backed a plan to allow married men to serve as priests in remote Amazonian villages. He also joined the majority in urging Pope Francis to consider ordaining female deacons — throughout the global church.

The Amazon synod is finally over after approving its final document of suggestions for Pope Francis. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I unpack that document, and we dive into the specifics of its suggestion that the church ordain married men to the priesthood. We also take a look at the synod’s call for additional research into women deacons. While Pope Francis’ commission to study women deacons previously focused on the role female deacons played in the early church, new calls from the synod are taking into account the urgent need for ministers in remote regions of the Amazon rainforest. In addition to the synod’s concrete proposals, we take a look at the larger themes of the document, like the bishops’ commitment to take the side of the poor in the Amazon region. Faced with rapid industrialization by little-regulated corporations and the deaths of indigenous leaders, are the region’s bishops ready to follow in the footsteps of the “new martyrs” of the Amazon?   Links from the show: Bishop McElroy on the Amazon’s ecological crisis and what’s next for the women’s diaconate Synod votes to ordain married men, and to protect Amazon’s indigenous peoples and rainforests The cry of the poor is the hope of the church, Pope Francis says, closing Amazon Synod

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon, fresh from the Amazon Synod in Rome, discuss and dissect the week’s news. Topic this week include the Amazon Synod wrap-up; married priests; statues thrown in the Tiber River; journalism at the Synod; and much more. This week’s game comes courtesy of Twitter fan of the show Jonathan Sullivan, who at JD’s request created a brand-new game called "One of These Catholic Things is Not Like the Others." Shownotes: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-changes-name-of-secret-archive-to-vatican-apostolic-archive-53379 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-why-pachamama-took-a-dip-23186 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amazon-synod-document-calls-for-married-priests-and-increased-roll-for-women-20862

10-28-19 Hour 2 Guests: CBS' Mike Lyons & ABC's Tom Rivers

In this episode of The John-Henry Westen show, Westen speaks with Fr. Anthony Pillari, JCL, about priestly celibacy. Fr. Pillari, a canon lawyer and chaplain in the extraordinary form, discusses the roots of priestly celibacy and why it is a fundamental aspect of the priesthood.In speaking about priestly celibacy, Fr. Pillari points out that married men can become priests and have in the past, look at Peter our first Pope. However, once a married man became a priest he had to pledge perpetual celibacy and in some cases left home to become a missionary. As the Amazon Synod proposes allowing married priests, The Church needs to remain faithful to tradition and ensure it is be done correctly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Transcribed highlights of the show can be found in our episode summaries. Right now, the Roman Catholic Church leaders are in the midst of a three-week-long meeting discussing the future of their ministry in the Amazon. Among the issues the synod is investigating: how church leaders should respond to chronic priest shortages, the role of women in official church leadership, and environmental degradation. Under the previous popes, John Paul II and Benedict the XVI, synods—or meetings convening all of the top brass of the Catholic church—were largely symbolic, says Christopher White, the national correspondent for the Catholic publication Crux. Not so with Pope Francis. “His two synods on the family wrestled with, among other issues, communion. And in the end, after two synods and two years of deliberation, Pope Francis issued a document that allowed for a cautious opening to communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, which did move forward the Church's pastoral teaching on that particular issue,” said White. White suggested that the Amazon synod may conclude similarly. “Among the many issues that they're going to be discussing in Rome over the next three weeks is perhaps relaxing the celibacy requirement for priests because there is such a shortage of priests in the particular region of the Amazon. And they're grappling with what to do about it,” he said. White joined digital media producer Morgan Lee and editor in chief Mark Galli to discuss the real or symbolic importance of synods, what makes the Amazon region particularly vexing to the Church, and why Protestants should stay abreast of an important Catholic meeting. Today's episode of Quick to Listen is brought to you in part by Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, where Kingdom-minded women and men are equipped to follow their callings. By learning to think theologically, developing ministry skills, cultivating a community of support, and engaging in spiritual formation, Truett students are uniquely prepared to make an impact in the Church and the world. Learn more at baylor.edu/truett. This episode of Quick to Listen is also brought to you by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, a ministry-focused insurance and payroll provider serving Christian churches, schools, and related ministries. For more information, visit BrotherhoodMutual.com. This episode of Quick to Listen is also brought to you by the MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program at Wheaton College Graduate School, preparing leaders to serve the most vulnerable and the Church globally. For more information, go to wheaton.edu/HDL. What is “Quick to Listen”? Read more Subscribe to Quick to Listen on Apple Podcasts Follow the podcast on Twitter Follow our host on Twitter: Morgan Lee Subscribe to Mark’s newsletter: The Galli Report Follow our guest on Twitter: Christopher White Music by Sweeps Quick to Listen is produced by Morgan Lee and Matt Linder

CNA Editors Ed Condon and JD Flynn discuss the week’s news, including parish registration, money at Mass, the working document for the Amazonian synod, married priests, celibacy, John Henry Newman, and much more. This week’s games are “How Pius Am I?” and “Patron of Whaaaaat?" Links: https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/09/24/st-simon-and-jude-parish-canceled-membership-letters/ https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-baldisseri-amazon-synods-working-doc-not-magisterium-35023 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/the-bishop-who-reaped-a-hundred-fold-33580 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-ouellet-defends-priestly-celibacy-ahead-of-amazon-synod-27576

Fr. Josh answers questions about if our prayers can apply to people who are no longer alive, why there are priests who have been married, and if it’s OK to check someone out. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “God can use our prayers to transcend time: past, present, and future.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (0:56) Fr. Josh shares an amazing revelation about Moses and the face of God! Listener Feedback (4:17) Prayer Transcending Time (8:22) Fr. Josh, Hello and thank-you for your consideration of my question! I am wondering about the possibility for our prayers to transcend time. I have read about consoling the heart of Jesus, that even though He is now in heaven, I can comfort Him in His passion and death. I have also heard that God is present to me now as a 37 year old woman, just as He is present to me as a little girl. I am wondering if it is possible, through prayer, for us to bring consolation to ordinary people who have lived before us, or who will live in the future. I realize we are born into a time in history for a reason, and the present moment is a gift to us. But, as an example, if I hear about the atrocities of the holocaust and I pray for those who suffered in concentration camps, is it possible that my intercession now could have caused a consolation for someone who lived in a camp? Or, as another example, could a blessing I receive tomorrow be the result of a prayer made by my great, great grandchild decades from now? I'm sure it is good to pray and intercede for others, dead or living, whenever we feel inspired to. I'm just practically wondering if God can use those prayers to affect any time He chooses. -Julia Married Priests (14:44) Father Josh, Thank you for your podcast. I enjoy learning more about the Catholic Faith through your energetic and thoughtful style. I am confused on how men who were previously married, have had children and are divorced can then become a priest. I have heard the term “alluded” used, but cannot find a Catholic meaning for this term. Can you help explain how these men fit into the rules for becoming priests and if alluded is a Catholic process I should have known about? Thank you and please continue your wonderful podcast. God Bless. -Gary Checking Someone Out (20:11) Hi Fr. Josh, I'm a 16 year old guy. And I sometimes find myself checking girls out. I've been wondering recently whether it's wrong to do so. Is it okay to check people out? I think it depends on how often you do it and whether you're taking advantage of that person or genuinely admiring beauty. I'd really love to know your stance on the matter. And if I shouldn't be doing it, what are some ways to stop myself from my natural tendencies? I love your podcast, keep up the amazing work! Thank you for any help you can provide. -Dom Universal Call to Holiness Share this podcast with a friend and potentially be the reason they deepen their relationship with God! Resources Want to browse the previous resources Fr. Josh has recommended in his show? Go to ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/askfrjosh/) to select an episode and view the shownotes. Fr. Josh Johnson - Broken and Blessed book Unabridged Christianity - Fr. Mario Romario Rome Sweet Rome - Dr. Scott Hahn Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Fr. Michael Gaitley 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley 33 Days to Merciful Love by Fr. Michael Gaitley

Abolishing America’s Greatest Evil with Father Frank Pavone and Dr Taylor Marshall. There is a major sea change in the Pr0L1fe movement. The stalwart priest Father Frank Pavone reviews the history and our current optimistic moment. Get Father Frank Pavone’s newest book: https://amzn.to/2S9Aysr Watch the video on Youtube by clicking here. Or listen to the audio here:

Abolishing America’s Greatest Evil with Father Frank Pavone and Dr Taylor Marshall. There is a major sea change in the Pr0L1fe movement. The stalwart priest Father Frank Pavone reviews the history and our current optimistic moment. Get Father Frank Pavone’s newest book: https://amzn.to/2S9Aysr Watch the video on Youtube by clicking here. Or listen to the […] The post 274: Married Priests (plus TnT Meet in Person) appeared first on Taylor Marshall.

In this episode, Jason and Dr. Bulzacchelli discuss the issues of celibacy and married priests, We discuss: - Celibacy in Sacred Scripture - Permanent diaconate and Sacred Scripture - Paul to Timothy about bishops - "One woman man" - Church as bride - Understanding celibacy and marriage - Marriage is about the Eschaton - Josephite Marriages - The Holy Family as the Exemplar Family - How we imitate the Holy Family

This week on Inside the Vatican, we talk about the U.S. bishops’ new resolutions on sexual abuse. How does the USCCB compare to other bishops conferences around the world? Then, we take a look at a new document prepared for the synod on the Amazon region, that officially introduces the possibility of ordaining married men. What are the implications for the rest of the church? And, what other findings in the document might we have overlooked? Links: Vatican will discuss ordaining married men as priests in Amazon region U.S. bishops adopt new protocols for holding themselves accountable for sex abuse

The Catholic Church allows married priests in the Eastern Rites of Catholicism and allows married Protestant clergymen who convert to Catholicism to become married Catholic priests. But it does not allow any other men to become Latin Rite priests unless they are celibate. Currently there is about 2,900 Catholics for every priest. Priests are usually overworked and surveys show a majority of Catholic priests favour allowing priests to marry! Find out more in this episode.

Married Priests, Decriminalization of MArijuana, Scam of the Week, Christian Nationalism and Tariffs

E38: Celibacy / Married Priests / Tough Conversations by Fr. Harrison & Fr. Anthony

On this episode of What Catholics Believe, Tom and Fr. Jenkins answer email questions: • Was the First Vatican Council officially closed? If not, what are the ramifications? • Why are priests not allowed to marry in the Roman Rite? Were they ever allowed to marry in the past? • Is there a cleansing to get rid of Masonic influence in a family? • What do you think of Climate Change Sunday? • Is the phrase, “hate the sin, not the sinner” Protestant or Catholic saying? • And lastly, Fr. Jenkins explains ‘Why Mercy is nothing without Justice’. Please visit wcbohio.com for more content.

Whenever Pope Francis goes on a trip somewhere around the world, he usually invites journalists to join him on the papal plane, and he’ll spend a few minutes taking questions from them. Pretty much every subject is on the table, and some of the pope’s most famous quotes have come from these impromptu press conferences—like his “Who am I to judge” comment about gay priests. But since he’s speaking off the cuff, it’s often up to journalists on board the plane, like Gerry, to translate his comments, give them context and sort out what they mean. So we’re spending our episode this week unpacking a couple of the pope’s comments from his flight back from Panama: one about married priests and the other about the situation in Venezuela.   Links from the show: Pope Francis on Venezuela, Married Priests, and the Sex Abuse Summit  

The 2019 Amazon synod is coming into focus. The synod will address the difficulties of a region troubled by poverty, environmental decay and a lack of clergy. Several bishops and theologians in the Amazon region have proposed allowing married priests.

Summary of today's show: When the topic of priestly celibacy and married priests comes up, the same set of questions is always trotted out: Isn't it unnatural? Didn't priests used to marry? Don't they get lonely? Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ, joins Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor to discuss a new book from Ignatius Press, “Married Priests? 30 Crucial Questions about Celibacy,” that answers the common objections with clear, concise, and convincing language. Listen to the show: [powerpress] Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Chris O'Connor Today's guest(s): Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ Links from today's show: by Dom Arturo Cattaneo Today's topics: Crucial questions about priestly celibacy 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed listeners to the show. Today's topic is priestly celibacy and he noted some of the current objections to celibacy today. The discussion will center around a new book from Ignatius Press called “Married Priests?: 30 Crucial Questions about Celibacy”. Fr. Chris O'Connor had asked Scot before Christmas for a show on priestly celibacy and then this book came in. Fr. Chris said this book has all the most common questions and gives great answers you can give back to people. Scot compared it to the YouCat, the youth catechism that asks questions that everyday people ask and gives plain-language answers, and this book does the same. Scot welcomed Fr. Fessio to the show. Fr. Fessio said two crucial questions are whether the Patriots will meet the 49ers in the Super Bowl and which team will win. Scot asked how this book came about. Fr. Fessio said when he was in Rome last year, Cardinal Raymond Burke had recommended this book to him. Cardinal Burke often reads books written in other languages that Ignatius Press should publish in English. He had said this book would be a real service to the Church. One of the misconceptions some Catholics have about celibacy, Scot said, is confusion with chastity and continence. Fr. Fessio said celibacy is technically priests not getting married. Continence is married people refraining from sex. Chastity is the proper regulation of one's sexual life, whether single, married, or priests. Chastity depends on the state in life. He added that permanent deacons are members of the clerical state and he said all clerics are bound by continence. And even in the early church, married priests would promise to refrain some sexual relations. Scot said his sense of things is this hasn't been part of the permanent diaconate. Fr. Chris O'Connor clarified that once ordained priests and deacons cannot marry or if already married can never remarry. This is true in the Orthodox Church, too. Also married clergy are not eligible for the episcopacy. Scot said Catholics hear that married priests are allowed in the Orthodox Church and wonder if that wouldn't be better in the Roman Catholic Church. Fr. Fessio said we go back to the beginning. Jesus is the Priest. When priests celebrate Mass they are in the person of Christ. Christ is the one who voluntarily did not marry because the Church was his bride and he's anticipating heaven where there is no marriage. The Eastern Church does it differently. They are a separated Church and they made some mistake in history, particularly in 692. The question of married priests came up at a council in the Eastern Church, the Council of Tertullus. There was a forged document at the council that resulted in the doctrine being changed. Scot asked Fr. Chris the difference between discipline and dogma. Fr. Chris said dogma is something absolutely defined by the Church and can't be changed. Discipline could be changed, but as far as the gift of celibacy it will not be changed. This is not a whim of the Church. The Church in the West has kept the discipline of celibacy and kept these high standards. Scot said we are called to give our all in our vocations. A married man gives his all to his wife and a priest gives his all to the Church in the same way. Fr. Fessio said it's not just a practical question, but it also demeans marriage. Marriage is a primary vocation on an equal level with priesthood. Marriage is not a career. We've lost the sense of a man as husband and father and not just a wage-earner and career man. On dogma and discipline, Fr. Fessio said we are inheritors of the Enlightenment, which always wants clear distinctions. But there isn't always a definitive line. How does one say where a bay ends and the ocean begins? It's similar with dogma and discipline. Celibacy is not “only” a discipline. It is the teaching and practice of the Church for 2,000 years. He said after the Council, a lot of people said if we keep the essentials, we can changed the accidentals. Think of a spaghetti dinner. We have tablecloth, candles, nice dinnerware. What if we take away the tablecloth, the candles, dinnerware? It's still a spaghetti dinner, but the difference between a nice dinner and sitting on the floor eating with your hands is vast. He asked why people don't believe in the Eucharist like they used to. People don't act like there's anything special there. Fr. Chris said this Saturday, four or five of the seminarians will be ordained to the transitional diaconate and they will make their promise of celibacy to the cardinal and the entire Church. Scot read from the foreword to the book by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy: Over the centuries—and this dynamic has been evident in recent decades as well—there have been plenty of attacks on ecclesiastical celibacy. It is necessary to recognize that not infrequently they come from contexts and mindsets that are completely foreign to the faith, understood both as doctrine and practice, and, unfortunately, are often orchestrated by interest groups that do not even disguise the fact that their goal is the gradual weakening of one of the elements that makes witness to Christ more effective: virginity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Celibacy is no more foreign to contemporary culture than marital fidelity or premarital continence might seem to be. We must recognize that we are faced with one of the greatest educational challenges of the modern era; ever since the 1968 revolution, which promised the liberation of man but in reality made him a slave to his own instincts, it is urgently necessary to reeducate the whole emotional sphere, acknowledging its greatness and dignity but at the same time placing it within the framework of objective limitations that theology calls original sin, with the consequences that result from it. The underlying logic of priestly celibacy is the same one we may encounter in Christian matrimony: the total gift of everything forever in love. Behind the dynamic of self-giving on the part of the priest is the primacy of God and, consequently, also the primacy of his will, which freely calls those whom he wants. Scot said he liked the comparison between attacks on celibacy and attacks on marital fidelity and single chastity. Which parent would want their married child to promiscuous? So why do we not want priests to be faithful? Fr. Fessio said we each have a witness to give. Scot witnesses to marital fidelity and FR. Fessio and Fr. Chris witness to apostolic fidelity to Christ. One is not more holy, but they are distinct. Scot said Question 12 in this book asks: “Is not celibacy unnatural and therefore not the cause of existential angst on the part of some priests?” Question 18 asks whether it is the cause of sexual abuse. Fr. Fessio said the answer in both cases is No. The largest number of sexual abuse cases occur in families where the abusers are not celibate or continent. As to whether it is unnatural, Jesus seemed to do quite well with celibacy. Look at all the great saints and other priests through history who weren't going through existential crises. It's true that there are sacrifices you make, like not having your own children. It's also a sacrifice to be alone. But there are crises in everyone's lives. Priests are going to suffer. Married people suffer too. Suck it up. More questions ask how one discerns a call to celibate life and how celibacy as a charismatic gift can be imposed by Church law. Fr. Chris said when he interviews future seminarians, he asks them if celibacy is a sacrifice or a gift. The answer is both, just like marriage is a sacrifice and a gift, committing oneself to one another and giving oneself totally. Celibacy is a gift of oneself totally to God and through him to the Church. Fr. Chris said celibacy is unnatural in a certain sense, but it is supernatural. God does not want a man to be alone so he gives them the grace to live the life they are called to. Scot said you hear that if we allowed married priests, we would have more priests. Fr. Fessio said once again all the empirical data is against it. It's not just Catholics who have a decline in vocations. Episcopalians and other Protestants have similar declines. Making it easy doesn't attract people. Why do the Marines attract men and women. Because it's a noble and difficult calling. The calling has to be attractive. Why does a man sacrifice all the other woman in the world to marry one? Because this one is The One and all the others aren't attractive anymore. When you find The One, Jesus, then you sacrifice all others for Him. It is a joy when you are called to follow in the footsteps of the Master. You want priests who are willing to sacrifice all for the vocation, not to settle for easy life. Fr. Fessio said he knows many good priests he would like to be just like. They are solid, human, happy, manly. He said the most well-known Father int he world is the Holy Father. John Paul II's fatherhood was radiant. Celibacy becomes attractive in the lives of priests whose beautiful vocation is lived out with joy and radiance. He told the story of Sr. Dolores Hart who was a Hollywood starlet in movies alongside Elvis who gave it up for the life of the convent and in pictures you see her absolute joy. Fr. Chris said he remembers a particular priest who has drawn several men to the seminary. they asked the seminarians what it was that attracted them. They said he ate with them, prayed with them, and listened to them. Young men are looking for priests who articulate the Church's teaching on the priesthood. Scot recalled the story of Joe D'Arrigo on the show before Christmas who told the story of the priest who made himself totally available to Joe's wife when she was gravely ill. He was available because of the sacrifice of his life. Fr. Fessio told the story of a reporter he'd known, a Catholic reporter who he says was hostile to the teachings of the Church. They had become friends despite their differences. One day, Fr. Fessio received a call that the reporter was dying and wanted to have Fr. Fessio hear his confession. Who did he call when he was dying? He called the old-fashioned, traditional, conservative priest. It's not because of Fr. Fessio's personality, but because he wants to be a priest in the tradition of the Church. Fr. Chris said he hears similar stories every time he talks to priests. Another question asks about whether celibacy leads to loneliness. Fr. Chris said he sometimes longs for a day of loneliness. A priest's life is filled with people. Particularly diocesan priests, they are with people at all the key moments of their lives, being invited into those grace-filled moments. They teach seminarians how to be comfortable with themselves in moments of solitude and how necessary they are, just like Christ who needed time away from the crowds. Fr. Fessio said Jesus promised a hundredfold to those who sacrifice family for him. He said he doesn't do social media, but recently read an article about a professor who gives students an assignment to be alone for one hour, no phone, no iPod and then write about it. They couldn't do it. People don't know what silence and solitude are. We are bombarded by sound and images constantly. One of the blessings of the priesthood is on the one hand, tremendous experiences of families, while on the other hand, having time for prayer. Most parents would love to have just a few minutes of quiet. Time for quiet is necessary not just for sanctity, but for sanity. Spend time on social media as long as you spend as much time on praying. Scot said the next question is most annoying: “Since most laypeople are married, would not a priest understand them better if he is married?” Scot said he's been married 11 years. He's probably counseled or given advice to 5 men on marriage. His brother as a priest for 12 years has counseled more than 1,000. Who would have more experience. It's much better that someone objective, who won't bring a bias from his own experience. Fr. Fessio said even in marriage, especially when there are difficulties, there are things a spouse won't tell their husband or wife that they will tell the priest in confession. Fr. Chris said the question is as if priests dropped out of the sky, instead of coming from families themselves. Also, it's like saying you need a cardiologist who has the same illness in order to treat you. Scot asked Fr. Fessio about what else Ignatius Press has available. He said there's a YouCat prayer book coming out in a month and while it's meant for young people, it's great for everyone. It introduces prayer with traditional prayers, a simplified liturgy of the hours and more. Scot said they also have the new book by James Hitchcock called “History of the Catholic Church”. Fr. Fessio said it's a thick book but not that long. It's got a great layout to let you make notes and more. Scot mentioned “The Seven Big Myths about the Catholic Church” by Dr. Christopher Kaczor, who we've had on the show. It's been very successful. Fr. Fessio said every day Ignatius Press ships out a stack of books that is higher than the Hancock Building in Boston. It's encouraging to see that people are still reading books. He added that industrywide 25% of sales are electronic, but only about 4-5% of sales are ebooks. He thinks it's because they have older people who read their books, but also there are certain books you want to have on your shelf as reference. Fr. Chris said this book from today's show is one of those books. Scot ended by reminding everyone about last night's lecture by George Weigel on Vatican II and the Birth of Evangelical Catholicism. People can watch the lecture at

Today, Bishop Bryan Ouellette in ecclesia Nicholas III concludes his series on Nicholean Catholicism with a special 90 minute episode. The bishop explains in detail the Nicholean interpretive theology on the subjects of Excommunication, Married Clergy, Chastity, Marriage After Ordination, Female Clergy, Divorce, Esoteric Arts & Sciences, and Gnosticism.

Today, Bishop Bryan Ouellette in ecclesia Nicholas III concludes his series on Nicholean Catholicism with a special 90 minute episode. The bishop explains in detail the Nicholean interpretive theology on the subjects of Excommunication, Married Clergy, Chastity, Marriage After Ordination, Female Clergy, Divorce, Esoteric Arts & Sciences, and Gnosticism.