REGARDING the letter “Priesthood in old age” (Have Your Say, CL 7/8/05), Mark Blackman deplores the fact that there is a shortage of priests and that aged priests are not available in fulfilling the demands in the Church today.
May I present a different perspective?
Please give us aged priests a “fair go”.
We have carried the burdens of priesthood for two generations. It is time now to “pass the torch” to younger generations.
By this I mean, every parish needs to be aware of the shortage of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Every parish needs to encourage their own parishioners to fill the need for priests today.
Face reality, Jesus is calling many, many young men who are single, well qualified, and who would make excellent priests, but they refuse to give their fiat (their consent) to answering God’s call.
Come on you guys, where are you?
Christ needs what you have. Christ needs what you have to continue his work and mission in his Church.
Do not rely on my generation to do your work. I am 77 years of age and my superiors have given me permission to prepare myself for transition to live with Christ, the Eternal High Priest.
We elderly priests need you to take our place, for you are the future of the Church. We have done our job. We have finished the race.
Now it is your turn. You have to take over.
There are so many of you who would make excellent, outstanding priests and religious.
Our Lord needs you. He needs what you have – your gifts, talents and charisms to continue his work and mission in his Church.
Our Lord is calling you now. Why do you keep saying “No”?
FRIAR JOHN MYERS OFM Cap
Murrurundi, NSW
