The Vulnerability of Our Celibate (not bachelor) Priests

Dietrich von Hildebrand sees that the consecrated virgin gives up spousal union, the deepest earthly desire of the human heart, for an even deeper marriage: mystical union with Christ, the bridegroom of every human soul. A danger, however, is that if the consecrated does not push deeply into this communion, lesser human goods can fill the void that is left in the heart and soul. Even the work of ministry could become such a bogus substitute. When I shared this thought with my nephew, a Franciscan Friar now preparing for his final vows, he agreed but added: "For us, the ministry is third. First is union with Christ in prayer. Second is unity with the community in praise and life. And all this flows over into the service of love." This deep insight left me wondering: what does this mean for our non-religious priests, diocesan or even the fine Maryknollers and others I have known? They give up marriage and family but often they work and live independently, without the close communion of the friars and monks? It seems to me that the Church places them in a vulnerable, difficult position: they renounce spouse and family in the embrace of celibacy, but they are also bereft of the compensations and consolations of community living, which accompany poverty and obedience. Isn't it terribly easy for them to fall into a "bachelor life"...alone and in pursuit of their particular interests? What comes to your mind with the title "Monsignor?" For me it suggests a priest who is highly energetic, smart, efficient and something of a work-alcoholic, an achiever, too much of a Martha, not enough of a Mary. It seems to me that the best priests develop, in addition to a deep prayer life, their own unique network of supportive communities: priest support gatherings, 12-step groups, close friendships with lay people and families, and connections with lively ecclesial movements and prayer communities. The priest is primarily identified with Christ in the action of teaching, sanctifying and shepherding; but he, like all of us, needs concrete and practical help in drawing close to our Lord. Let us pray for our priests who face a tremendous challenge!