Conservative priests

[scoobydoo6v92]

I have a question. first I am very orthodox and believe in ALL the teachings of the holy Catholic Church. no I don’t want to learn Latin and I don’t know what it was like before Vatican II as I was born long after it’s implementation. But I noticed that every time we have one visit they get half of it right. they teach what I want to hear. the Church’s teaching on abortion or on receiving Jesus without sin. ETC. but they are so unfriendly. I haven’t met a conservative or rather orthodox priest that was loving and inviting. Is it me? or have anyone else noticed this? we had one yesterday. great homilist and very orthodox but wouldn’t shake people’s hands. it is always something. just wondering. Why can’t we be orthodox and at the same time be loving.
I hope Jesus is more loving than some of these priests.

 

[trevor1055]

Pope Francis is providing a great example of loving pastoral leadership. Let him be an example for us all!

 

[Reuben_J]

Perhaps during their formative years, more emphasis should be given to be people’s priest rather a mere priest who is just administering the Sacraments. This is basically personal outlook. Besides, some people are more introvert than the others and some are just more aloof and have difficulty in accepting love and friendship. Here and there, parts and pieces, would contribute to a priest’s personality which is not different than many of us.

 

[Celtic_Maiden]

I have a question. first I am very orthodox and believe in ALL the teachings of the holy Catholic Church. no I don’t want to learn Latin and I don’t know what it was like before Vatican II as I was born long after it’s implementation. But I noticed that every time we have one visit they get half of it right. they teach what I want to hear. the Church’s teaching on abortion or on receiving Jesus without sin. ETC. but they are so unfriendly. I haven’t met a conservative or rather orthodox priest that was loving and inviting. Is it me? or have anyone else noticed this? we had one yesterday. great homilist and very orthodox but wouldn’t shake people’s hands. it is always something. just wondering. Why can’t we be orthodox and at the same time be loving.
I hope Jesus is more loving than some of these priests.

The poor priest cannot win either way, if he is too friendly he is accused of being flirty and has an eye for man/woman, so its best that they keep a bit aloof so know one can accuse them of a roving eye. The press at the moment are gunning for the Catholic Church, as we are a peaceful religion, notice how the press don’t go after the Moslem religion, I wonder why ? Pray for your priests, see always the good in them, and defend them as they are our Pastors.

 

[theyoungmonk]

I can assure you that not all “conservative” clergy are like that some very trad clergy are the friendliest and warmest people I know. Just be aware that they may see a need to remain slightly apart and for example some will not normally touch a woman so avoiding shaking hands may be a polite way to ensure no woman feels awkward at being singled out. Of course there could also be something in the local condition that makes them feel that they have to act in a certain way.

 

[CompSciGuy]

I know what you mean on some level, as this is an unfortunate trend I have witnessed among many super-ultra-traditional Catholics (though not usually priests) but practically all of the priests I have known personally have been very orthodox and also very kind people. Also by “orthodox” I do not mean ultra-traditional, I mean faithful to the teachings of the Church and a good example of personal holiness.

 

[Caroline723]

Pope Francis is providing a great example of loving pastoral leadership. Let him be an example for us all!

Perfectly said!

I think part of it, especially for younger priests, is that they think too much about their public persona. They are trying to pointedly avoid the relaxed demeanor of being “one of the guys” that is more common among liberal priests. So they revert to the cold, unhumorous behavior of pre-Vatican II that was a big part of why the reform they hate, was called!!

Every once in a while you’ll find a priest that gets it right. But it’s good you recognize that. There are plenty of traditional catholics who imitate it instead.