Vocations and resources

[sklenko]

There is a long-time discussion on lack of priestly and religious vocations.
It would be great there were much more and holy vocations in seminaries and religious communities.
However,from practical point of view would be the life of communities sustainable if there were many more candidates? I mean, for instance instead of 5 new candidates some 50 like in previous centuries? There are some reports Church lacks financial resources in some regions and to fund novitiates and seminaries who usually do not contribute is not an easy task.
I know everything flows from God who will take care of His Church,but this does not mean people should be indifferent.
So my point would be similar to Pope Benedict XVI. who when arriving in USA last year said it is better to have less and good priests than many priests.
Your opinions are appreciated.

 

[jwywong]

However,from practical point of view would be the life of communities sustainable if there were many more candidates? I mean, for instance instead of 5 new candidates some 50 like in previous centuries?

I believe that… there’s nothing impossible with God.
If we limit ourselves first by practical circumstances and reasoning, we are putting a limit ourselves.
The more important thing is whether if we are truly freely choosing what the Lord is asking of us. If you are genuinely choosing God, then you cannot be making the wrong decision.

I guess… maybe the living standard or quality of things would have to be compromised for the increased in number with limited resources, but I am sure that something fruitful will come out of it for all in the process!

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

I know everything flows from God who will take care of His Church,but this does not mean people should be indifferent.

I agree. But not being indifferent doesn’t equal to limiting seats solely based on availability of material resources.

So my point would be similar to Pope Benedict XVI. who when arriving in USA last year said it is better to have less and good priests than many priests.

Totally agree. As written above “The more important thing is whether if we are truly freely choosing what the Lord is asking of us.” But this is independent from numbers of vocations.