It was the 2pm Mass presided by Fr. Manny Guico. At first, his homily was very good, emphasizing how the harvest is plenty but the laborers few, mainly, that priestly vocations are needed. He invited the young boys in the parish to step forward in front of the altar. We found ourselves clapping in encouragement alongside everyone else that was hoping that from this young group, new priestly vocations will arise.
Then, when the boys returned to their pews, he invited the girls to come forward. Our daughters were delighted to be called too and we were very proud when our eldest raised her hand as Fr. Manny asked if any of them were considering a religious vocation as a nun.
We think it was great that he physically called the young boys and girls out of their pews to consider a vocation in the service of Our Lord. However, it did cause us dismay to hear him utter some things contrary to Church teaching. He knew that what he was about to say was controversial because he cautioned that his words might get him in trouble with the bishop if someone decided to call him on it. He asked the boys if the priestly vow of celibacy was removed would any of them change their mind about entering the priesthood. He asked the girls if women were allowed to be ordained would they become priests.
We know these are hypothetical questions but it is very unfair to lead these young people to presume that the Church may change these two things. We do understand that priestly celibacy is a discipline and not a doctrine or dogma and could possibly be revoked. However, it is our understanding that the ordination of only men is a matter of divine law and thus doctrinal. And yet, the resounding applause that his hypothetical questions got, clearly indicated that much of the congregation does not understand the wisdom of the Church on these two matters and sides with the rebellion within the Church who wishes to see celibacy overturned and women's ordination allowed.
Then, when the boys returned to their pews, he invited the girls to come forward. Our daughters were delighted to be called too and we were very proud when our eldest raised her hand as Fr. Manny asked if any of them were considering a religious vocation as a nun.
We think it was great that he physically called the young boys and girls out of their pews to consider a vocation in the service of Our Lord. However, it did cause us dismay to hear him utter some things contrary to Church teaching. He knew that what he was about to say was controversial because he cautioned that his words might get him in trouble with the bishop if someone decided to call him on it. He asked the boys if the priestly vow of celibacy was removed would any of them change their mind about entering the priesthood. He asked the girls if women were allowed to be ordained would they become priests.
We know these are hypothetical questions but it is very unfair to lead these young people to presume that the Church may change these two things. We do understand that priestly celibacy is a discipline and not a doctrine or dogma and could possibly be revoked. However, it is our understanding that the ordination of only men is a matter of divine law and thus doctrinal. And yet, the resounding applause that his hypothetical questions got, clearly indicated that much of the congregation does not understand the wisdom of the Church on these two matters and sides with the rebellion within the Church who wishes to see celibacy overturned and women's ordination allowed.
I know that the Pastor of St. Joseph's was notified and expressed that he was troubled by it, and that he would speak to Fr. Manny about this indiscretion.
I do not know if the Bishop was apprised of this incident but based on previous experiences, I'm not sure that he would correct or disagree with Fr. Manny's position.
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