Are religious priests in a higher state than diocesan priests?

  • Thread starter Thread starter johnjacob2004
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
The ordained cleric who wrote the Summa Theologica is correct.

You are wrong.
 
The ordained cleric who wrote the Summa Theologica is correct. ]
Click to expand...
I have answered the question as to who is right – namely the Deacon – and who is wrong – namely, you.
You are wrong
Click to expand...
Fortunately, you do not get to make that determination
 
Why all the anger? Whatever the reason, it does not justify the disrespect you have shown to Don and Jeff. Dial it back or walk away, because its not worth losing access to this community.
 
Perhaps everyone is talking past each other? Consecrated life is the highest calling in terms of Christian perfection… but, secular clergy clearly take precedence in the Church.
 
Good point.

IOW, the religious state is higher, but the office of a diocesan priest takes precedence over that of a religious priest.
 
Last edited:
Gorgias said:
One joke (in questionable taste) that secular priests sometimes make is “well, they took a vow of poverty, but we live it.” The implication is that, although monks and nuns cannot personally own property, they can use property that belongs to the order. On the other hand, secular priests are, in certain financial ways, all on their own… so they can’t afford some things that some orders can afford to buy. When I’ve heard the joke made, it’s always been made in a spirit that’s charitable and fraternal. 😉
Click to expand...
That’s new to me, and very funny!
 
Thanks…but it does in no way detract from the intent of my post.
 
twf said:
but, secular clergy clearly take precedence in the Church.
Click to expand...
Hopefully I am misunderstanding you…are you claiming a secular priest is of a higher calling, or a higher standing in the Church than a religious priest?

If you are, that’s really wrong…all properly ordained priests, secular or religious, are of equal standing in the eyes of the Church and in the eyes of God.

Hopefully you were merely comparing a religious brother to a secular priest…however, even that can be argued…ANY vocation has the same standing of value with God and the Church whether it be the call to religious life, the call to the Holy Orders, or the call to Holy Matrimony.

God calls each of us, but not all to the same vocation, and each vocation contributes to the sanctity of our One Holy and Apostolic Church.

Pax et bonum.
 
Last edited:
Wasn’t Aquinas wrong about when human life begins…? Seems to be more important than which priest is higher than which other priest…
 
He’s right though. A parish priest obviously holds a more important office, as regards the salvation of souls, than a religious priest.

Likewise, vocations are not equal as regards the dignity of the state of life. Why would they be?
 
That’s true. Still, one error does not invalidate an expert’s authority in general. If his errors were systemic, the Church wouldn’t give such a pre-eminent place to Thomism.
 
Arkansan said:
A parish priest obviously holds a more important office, as regards the salvation of souls, than a religious priest.
Click to expand...
You seem to have limited knowledge of the many duties of religious priests. Many are pastors and parish priests, and many a circuit priests in remote areas.

Your post seems to errantly paint the picture of only secular priests being parish priests.
 
That’s true, many religious priests do hold pastoral offices, and as such are equal in office to ordinary diocesan priests. Though at least in monastic life, there’s been a push away from this in recent times. My experiential knowledge of religious life is mainly of monastic communities, and that likely colored my statement.

Aquinas actually touched on that point, in the part of the Summa I linked.
 
Last edited:
I meant what I said. Not all offices in the Church are equal… and some vocations are higher than others. Let’s use a very obvious example… a bishop possesses the fullness of the priesthood and objectively holds a higher office than that of a presbyter (secular or regular).
 
I realize the bottom line is we answer God’s call so that we can listen to His will for our lives and be close to Him… bishops, secular priests, religious priests all aren’t guarantees Heaven… still, one has an obligation to make use of the gifts God gives us, hence vows or promises in gifts of celibacy or poverty or obedience…
 
twf said:
I meant what I said.
Click to expand...
Ahh… but is what you said, actually valid? 😉
Not all offices in the Church are equal…
Click to expand...
fair enough. But… was this the original question here?
and some vocations are higher than others.
Click to expand...
Depends on what you mean by ‘higher’.
Let’s use a very obvious example… a bishop possesses the fullness of the priesthood and objectively holds a higher office than that of a presbyter (secular or regular).
Click to expand...
‘bishop’ isn’t a vocation – “holy orders” is.

Yes, the order of the episcopate is the fullness of orders… but is that what is meant here by ‘higher state’? You’re only discussing ‘higher office’… which might not be construed as being the same thing. 😉
 
I will get back with you on this one. Let me check in with Padre Pio and Jean Vianney to see what their thoughts are on the matter. 🤔
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top