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Shortage of priestly vocations suggests problems in community: Cardinal Pell

CWN - May 26, 2011

As he ordained 5 men to the priesthood, Cardinal George Pell of Sydney, Australia reflected that when a Catholic community does not produce priestly vocations, something is amiss.

“Some Catholic communities unfortunately are not life giving,” said the cardinal. "Some Catholic communities can be contraceptive, even while Catholic life seems on the surface to continue vigorously."

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  • Posted by: unum - May. 27, 2011 9:15 AM ET USA

    Physician, heal thyself! The 70-something, joyless, politically correct members of the clergy who are afraid to preach about the real issues facing our society aren't exactly a positive advertisement for the priesthood. Their negative remarks about the Church aren't helpful either. Thank God for the few young, inspired priests who clearly love the priesthood and show us the joy of Christ.

  • Posted by: rpp - May. 26, 2011 5:34 PM ET USA

    I wonder if this is an oblique reference to the issues surrounding former bishop Morris of Toowoomba who, reportedly, had only one vocation during the 18 years he was bishop there.

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