HagiaSophia:
Absolutism isn’t the answer, I think common sense and prudential judgment are.
“Common” sense among Catholics is running counter to teachings of Rome on both priest marriage and women priests, according to a CNN/Gallup poll released in April 2005. More than half of the Catholics wish (but don’t expect) the new pope would liberalize in these areas.
What is prudential judgment? Does that mean I have a strong enough suspicion, or a certain quality of data, or a certain seriousness of the charges (like Clarence Thomas – it’s the seriousness of the charges, not the nature of the evidence.)
What do I do if I find out something private about the priest that he doesn’t specifically speak about? Am I obligated to report that, and under what circumstances, and to whom?
If absolutism isn’t the answer, then what is? What is the proper way to make this decision whether to “narc” on your priest? When is it right to write letters to the newspapers dissociating yourself from him – “I’m Catholic and I don’t endorse Fr. Jones’ views” type thing?
Actually I think your premise is incorrect to begin with.
What premise? It’s a simple question. When am I required, or encouraged, to bring a grievance against a priest to a higher Church authority? Am I supposed to bring it to him first? How do I go about doing that, via the confessional? Do I just lay it on some priest and let that priest deal with it? Oh yeah, they can’t narc each other out, can they?
I believe you are mixing apples and oranges here – I am not familiar with your quote and don’t know if St. Terese even said it, but assuming that she did, it would seem to me that it has nothing to do with this question at all. I would say that she is making the same point as the Cure of Ars did, the spiritual or moral condition of the celebrant has no effect whatsoever on the reality of the Eucharist.
Here’s what I have. I got it from an ostensible orthodox poster, in a discussion about whether you should obey the local priest even if he is not in full accordance with Rome. If you know how to research its authenticity, I’d be pleased if you’d let me know what you find.
“He is insane who rises or acts contrary to this Vicar who holds the keys of the blood of Christ crucified. Even if he was a demon incarnate, I should not raise my head against him, but always grovel and ask for the blood out of mercy. And don’t pay attention to what the demon proposes to you and you propose under the color of virtue, that is to say to want to do justice against evil pastors regarding their fault. Don’t trust the demon: don’t try to do justice about what does not concern you. God wants neither you nor anyone else to set themselves up as a righter of the wrongs of His ministers. He reserves judgment to Himself, and He reserves it to His Vicar; and if the Vicar does not do justice, we should wait for the punishment and correction on the part of the sovereign judge, God Eternal.” (Letters, Vol. I. Letter No. 28).
Actually let’s not. Every saint has their own spirituality which works for them. Everything is not for everyone. We all need to find what works for us and use it as best we can.
OK. As you wish.
Seems like St. Teresa’s way is easier, and probably a lot less stress. I wonder why it is so hard to find that kind of submissive attitude? I guess that was before Internet. If you want to try to fix your priest when the Church can’t then power to you. I say you can go crazy trying.
Alan
