Laicized Priests & Brennan Manning

[Dominic_Brother]

QUESTION ONE.
Is it possible for a Franciscan priest to leave his order, to become “laicized” (with papal permission), and to get married validly? My understanding is that once you becomme a priest, then you are always a priest. It is like a marriage with God that cannot be broken by man; similar to Matrimony.

QUESTION TWO.
I was wondering about an ex-priest who’s name is Brennan Manning. He is said to have been a Franciscan priest and has written several books such as the “RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL”. He left the order and got into a marriage that ended in divorce. Was Brennan Manning given official approval to leave the priesthood so that he could marry?

QUESTION THREE.
I hear Brennan Manning is still a Catholic and attends daily mass. If you leave the priesthood, can you still receive Holy Communions by confessing your sin or are you in perpetual sin?

My intent is not to ruin this man’s reputation but only that it may help me understand him should I decide to read his material.

Thank you.

 

[rwoehmke]

After Vatican II it was common for a while for Rome to laicize priests upon request. A laicized priest can get married, but most usually cannot exercise any lay ministerial role in the Church. Other than that restriction they are free to attend Mass, go to confession, and receive communion. To apostacize and leave the Church entirely would be considered objectively sinful, but to request laicization, while not a happy event, is not to my knowledge in itself a sin…

 

[CDNowak]

Took a quick look-around on line, didn’t find much on him, in particular. It is possible, and was entirely too common, for priests to be given dispensations of to marry after leaving public ministry. However, given his biography there may have been other issues (notably alcoholism and the various orders and attempts at orders he was part of).

Considering his writing inspired a great deal of the peak of CCM, I would say it is probably safe to read, but be aware that the source is what it is (which makes the good all the better and the rest what it is).

 

[sablouwho]

I’ve heard Manning speak at the large Presbyterian church that I used to attend. This was sometime between 2-4 years ago as I’ve only been Christian for 4 years total.

In general I thought he was a good speaker, but I do seem to remember that somewhere in his book Ruthless Trust, I think he did seem to have some “issues” with Catholicism.

 

[EnchantedEve]

The priesthood, like Baptism and Confirmation, leaves an indelible mark on the soul, which can never be taken away. So this man shall always be “a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizideck.” However, as Holy Matrimony does not leave an indelible mark, a person may recieve it more than once, and without impediment by other sacraments, such as priesthood. We must remember celibate priesthood is only a discipline of the Roman Church, and may be removed by Her at any time. So certainly, a man may leave the “active” priesthood, get married and have children, but he will still always be a priest. He will always be able to validly confect the Holy Mass, and absolve sins. This no man could ever take from him.

 

[baltobetsy]

So certainly, a man may leave the “active” priesthood, get married and have children, but he will still always be a priest. He will always be able to validly confect the Holy Mass, and absolve sins. This no man could ever take from him.

This is absolutely true. It is, however, very important to distinguish between being able and being permitted. Between “can” and “may.”

A laicized priest may only function as a priest under the most dire circumstances. It would be worth some research to find out if absolution given by a laicized priest outside of dire circumstances, such as danger of death with no other priest available, would even be valid, because one of the necessary elements for valid absolution is faculties. That means permission of the bishop to exercise priestly ministry in a certain diocese.

Betsy

 

[EnchantedEve]

This is absolutely true. It is, however, very important to distinguish between being able and being permitted. Between “can” and “may.”

A laicized priest may only function as a priest under the most dire circumstances. It would be worth some research to find out if absolution given by a laicized priest outside of dire circumstances, such as danger of death with no other priest available, would even be valid, because one of the necessary elements for valid absolution is faculties. That means permission of the bishop to exercise priestly ministry in a certain diocese.

Betsy

You are so right about can and may.

Yes, a laicized priest may give absolution validly in an emergency, in what canon law (canons 976, 1335) call “supplied” jurisdiction. In other words, the Church Herself provides the jurisdiction where it would otherwise be lacking. As St. Thomas said “The mere necessity brings with it a dispensation, since necessity knows no law." (Summa Theologicae, Part II, 1st part, Ques. 96, Article 6)