Vatican prefect: ending celibacy would not spur vocations
March 25, 2024
» Continue to this story on Irish Catholic
CWN Editor's Note: Ending the discipline of clerical celibacy would not cause a rise in vocations, the prefect of the Dicastery for Clergy told an Irish audience.
Speaking at the Marian shrine at Knock, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik observed that if allowing priests to marry would resolve the shortage of priests, the Orthodox churches should be abounding with priestly vocations. “But we have to look at the reality,” the Korean-born prelate said.
The only real way to stimulate vocations to the priesthood and religious life is a lively faith, Cardinal You argued. “I am convinced that if we as Christians lived the Word of God concretely, we would have a flourishing of vocations.”
The above note supplements, highlights, or corrects details in the original source (link above). About CWN news coverage.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Mar. 26, 2024 4:58 PM ET USA
This cardinal is absolutely correct in reinforcing Benedict XVI's call for the new evangelization. The evidence supporting his observation about the benefits of a lively faith is to be found where Catholics live their faith in accordance with Catholic tradition, be this tradition eastern or western. In communities where the Catholic faith is first and foremost in the daily activities and prayers of the faithful, vocations are flourishing. It's too bad many of these communities are marginalized.
