Priests Are Necessary
Monday, April 30, 2007
Chicago, 25 May 1996
Fr Marcial Maciel, LC
To summarize, in the Church and on behalf of the Church priests are a sacramental representation of Jesus Christ, Head and Shepherd. They authoritatively proclaim his word, repeat his acts of forgiveness and offer his salvation, particularly in Baptism, Penance, and the Eucharist. They show Christ’s loving concern to the point of a total gift of self for the flock, which they gather into unity and lead to the Father through Christ and in the Holy Spirit. In a word, priests exist and act in order to proclaim the Gospel to the world and to build up the Church in the name and person of Jesus Christ.
With this in mind it becomes ever more clear that there is more at stake here than perhaps we would like to admit. The decline in the number of priests at the service of the Church represents a real and serious obstacle to spreading Christ’s Kingdom in the world. How many people in the future will neither hear Christ’s message nor receive his salvation because of a lack of priests?
5 comments:
Well, I have a comment. I was in the Legion for eight years before I discovered it wasn't for me, with little to no help from the Legionaries who were my spiritual directors. So seeing a quote from their founder about vocations brings up ambivalent feelings: on the one hand, sure vocations are needed, but on the other, what did they do to help me discern? How do they help others discern?
It is very easy to fall into a statistics mentality when thinking of priests, but doesn't such a mentality come from lack of faith? No one gives himself this vocation, and they need to be encouraged, but there is a place for grace and true discernment in the process.
Hmmm....I was with the Legionaries for only 3 years, but they did not seem like that. Nuestro Padre is very holy, and the Legionaries are not about statistics, they truly live the Gospel!
Thanks Nick. I didn't want to respond to this though I received the e-mail alert. I thought that I would have been more prudent for our inquiring brother to hear from someone who has had some contact with the Legion.
There are many diffrennt views on the Legion- some rather extreme. I have no comments on any of them.
Perhaps having no comment is the most prudent thing. I don't believe the abuse accusations (utter fabrications, in my view) on the one hand, but on the other, how can you say he is holy, when the only thing known is what he let's known?
I do think there were many good men in the Legion. I admire their love for the Holy Father, daily celebration of the sacraments and frequent confession. And I also overlook the individual indiscretions of particular superiors in particular circumstances - such things do not reflect on the Legion per se.
I guess I would just recommend that if one decides to go in, please go in with your eyes open. Wearing a habit does not make one holy (and they don't claim it does, granted), nor does being ordained. Just please be careful.
Paul VI, your profile says you are 17, so I assume you were an apostolic or pc - things are rather different once you join the novitiate. Not totally radically different, but rather more strict. I say this only to point out what may already be obvious - that your experience may not be typical of all.
God bless you all in your generosity, let's never stop seeking God in all things.
Sincerely,
anonymous
Oh, and by "with your eyes open," I mean knowing something about traditional discernment and canon law. Research things beforehand. Know what discernment is in the tradition of Holy Mother Church, what to look for in a good spiritual director and such. I knew little about discernment before going in, and it would have helped me greatly to have known that before I entered.
If it helps someone, blessed be God. If I offend anyone, I ask you to forgive me.
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