Beards?

[JReducation]

The point that the community should be undivided in tradition is a good one. I’ve always thought that secular/diocesan priests should not be encouraged to shave, though.

God bless.

The rule on beards for diocesan priests has been relaxed in most dioceses. The only place that I know that has an absolute ban on it is Vatican City. The only Latins allowed to wear a beard in Vatican City are those who belong to an order that has a beard as part of its habit… The Eastern Catholic clergy in Vatican City often wears a beard, because in many Eastern Churches the beard is part of their culture. It’s a sign of authority.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF