Can a one-handed man be a priest?

[Robert_in_SD]

My son was born without his left hand. In all other respects he is normal in his physical appearance and capabilities. I was wondering… If, one day, he feels a calling to consider the priesthood will he be denied entry because of his disability?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

So far as I know, the only requirement relevant to your son’s disability is that a man be able to hold in his hand(s) the host during Mass. Although I do not have the book in front of me in order to look it up, I believe I read in George Weigel’s biography of John Paul II, titled Witness to Hope, that a priest friend of John Paul had lost a hand in an accident that occurred when the friend was substituting for a young Fr. Wojtyla. Years later, when the friend would visit John Paul at the Vatican, the Pope always cut his friend’s meat for him. I cannot recall any mention that the friend was no longer able to be a priest due to his disability.

If your son becomes interested in the priesthood, I recommend contacting the vocations director of your diocese to find out whether or not current requirements state that his disability would exclude him from formation.