Priests Simplex?

[Nota_Bene]

In the past, many men have been ordained as Priests Simplex. This was done because while they might have had something wonderful to offer to the Church (perhaps the gift of healing), they also had shortcomings, such as intellect or lack formal education.

Many could celebrate the Mass, but could not give full homilies. Many could not be involved with the sacrament of penance, etc.

I’m curious if such a designation could come into use again for exceptional men (married or single) who could be ordained to celebrate the Mass, while having limits (perhaps severe limits) placed on their priesthood?

 

[Pious]

Nota Bene:

In the past, many men have been ordained as Priests Simplex. This was done because while they might have had something wonderful to offer to the Church (perhaps the gift of healing), they also had shortcomings, such as intellect or lack formal education.

Many could celebrate the Mass, but could not give full homilies. Many could not be involved with the sacrament of penance, etc.

I’m curious if such a designation could come into use again for exceptional men (married or single) who could be ordained to celebrate the Mass, while having limits (perhaps severe limits) placed on their priesthood?

Hi,

Never heard of the term, but I like the sound of it; can you give more information or a link.

Thank you

Yours in the Spirit

Pious

 

[FenianMan]

I don’t have any resources at my fingertips just this moment, but I don’t believe that the notion of “simple priests” existed primarily for those who lacked. Most religious congregations had what was called a “young dad” year, which would be very like the deacon year that most seminaries incorporate now. At the end of the previous year the seminarian was ordained a priest. You’re only ever ordained to the same office once, so there was no later ordination, but restrictions like those listed were imposed on the ordinand. He couldn’t (normally) hear confessions or preach. My understanding of some of the men of outstanding holiness (such as Father Solanus Casey, probably the most famous simple priest) is not that they were ordained for the purpos of making them “mass priests,” but that once ordained they were unable to complete their studies, often for lack of intellectual acumen. I’m more than willing to be corrected, but that sort of a practice makes much more sense then simply ordaining men and then forbidding the use of their powers.

 

[katolik]

IT IS A 1400 YEAR OLD TRADITION TO HAVE CELIBATE CLERGY. No matter what you do, NO MARRIED ROMAN RITE PRIESTS AS A NORM.

 

[Catholic29]

IT IS A 1400 YEAR OLD TRADITION TO HAVE CELIBATE CLERGY. No matter what you do, NO MARRIED ROMAN RITE PRIESTS AS A NORM.

Actually it is a 866 year old tradition. Celibacy was made mandatory for all priests at the Second Lateran Council in 1139 by decree of Pope Gregory VII. And I honestly don’t understand the rational as to why.

 

[mercygate]

Catholic29:

Actually it is a 866 year old tradition. Celibacy was made mandatory for all priests at the Second Lateran Council in 1139 by decree of Pope Gregory VII. And I honestly don’t understand the rational as to why.

That fact, stated baldly in this way, is misleading. Celibacy may have been decreed mandatory in 1139, but it was in affirmation of a longstanding tradition that, though normative, had been subject to widespread abuse.

The tradition of priestly celibacy goes back to Apostolic times, although it existed side-by-side with the custom of having married priests as well before the late 4th century when celibacy became the norm.

As the great Casey Stengel used to say: You could look it up!

 

[Tim_Faremouth]

Back in the 1940s and 50s we had a very famous Capuchin Friar monk in Detroit by the name of Fr. Solanus Casey who I believe fell into that priestly category. I agree that it would be a positive step in the right direction to attract new priests.

Shalom, Tim.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Tim Faremouth:

Back in the 1940s and 50s we had a very famous Capuchin Friar monk in Detroit by the name of Fr. Solanus Casey who I believe fell into that priestly category. I agree that it would be a positive step in the right direction to attract new priests.

Shalom, Tim.

There was a time when such a thing was done. The priest could not hear confessions nor could he give a sermon. There was a priest who would travel around and hear confessions.

Now as the homily is a part of the Sunday Mass I do not see how this can be done nor do I see it as a good thing as how does one prepare for the Mass if one does not have access to a priest who can hear your confession.

The requirements to enter the seminary are going to be increased in the next academic year, from 18 philosophy credits to 30.

What kind of education would this sort of “priest” undergo? Right now I believe that most diaconate programs require a Masters or equivalent.

Would everyone be ready for a “priest” that can only do the Mass, and possibly the other sacraments the parish has come to expect, but can not help a person in their spiritual life?

I do not think this would be a good idea. It would only be a semi fix and it would not lead to anything better.

Just becuase something was done in the past does not mean that it was right (then or now) nor does it mean that it should be brought back.

 

[Nota_Bene]

Tim Faremouth:

Back in the 1940s and 50s we had a very famous Capuchin Friar monk in Detroit by the name of Fr. Solanus Casey who I believe fell into that priestly category. I agree that it would be a positive step in the right direction to attract new priests.

Shalom, Tim.

Precisely.

 

[Nota_Bene]

ByzCath:

There was a time when such a thing was done. The priest could not hear confessions nor could he give a sermon. There was a priest who would travel around and hear confessions.

Now as the homily is a part of the Sunday Mass I do not see how this can be done nor do I see it as a good thing as how does one prepare for the Mass if one does not have access to a priest who can hear your confession.

The requirements to enter the seminary are going to be increased in the next academic year, from 18 philosophy credits to 30.

What kind of education would this sort of “priest” undergo? Right now I believe that most diaconate programs require a Masters or equivalent.

Would everyone be ready for a “priest” that can only do the Mass, and possibly the other sacraments the parish has come to expect, but can not help a person in their spiritual life?

I do not think this would be a good idea. It would only be a semi fix and it would not lead to anything better.

Just becuase something was done in the past does not mean that it was right (then or now) nor does it mean that it should be brought back.

Some men in my diocese undergo the mail-order LIMEX program. If they already have a bachelors degree (in anything) they can earn a “masters.” If they are non-degreed, they can earn a certificate.

Take a very close look at the LIMEX program though. It’s about the equivelent of an associates of arts degree both in rigor and in length.

So to suggest that all deacons are well educated (or well formed for that matter) can be quite misleading, even though they have their “masters.”

 

[Nota_Bene]

katolik:

IT IS A 1400 YEAR OLD TRADITION TO HAVE CELIBATE CLERGY. No matter what you do, NO MARRIED ROMAN RITE PRIESTS AS A NORM.

Not that this was the point of the thread, but JP II could end the celibacy mandate* tomorrow*. I’m not suggesting that he should, only that he could.