Concerned Catholic: As his mother, I always saw something special in Adrian. I never had to force him to go to Mass; he continued altar serving throughout secondary school and was an active member of the Catholic Society at his university. Although he found a job in the City, I wasn’t surprised when he told me he had spoken to Fr Andrew about the priesthood. He was upset, however, after he met the vocations director and other candidates. The priest ranted about the old Latin Mass, which Adrian doesn’t attend. Adrian found the other men odd. He doesn’t want to think about vocation any more. I am upset because Adrian is upset. What can I say to him?
Chaplain: A mother’s faith and prayers are so important in nurturing her children’s vocation. In a particular way, you share Our Lady’s mission of bringing Christ into the world. Your faith and prayers will continue to be important to Adrian and his vocation, whatever that may be.
What would I say to Adrian? There is nothing worthwhile in this world which will not have its challenges and struggles – whether that be marriage, a career, artistic or sporting endeavours, and indeed a vocation to the priesthood. Only in working through those difficulties do we test the authenticity of our calling and emerge stronger, more compassionate and more mature as a result.
I don’t doubt Adrian’s experience, but I would say that it is thankfully rare today – although of course it should not exist at all. I would want him to know that, if he perseveres and is accepted as a candidate for the priesthood, then the situation in the seminaries today is vastly better than it was a generation or two ago. Without exception, all the English seminaries are now run by staff whose sole objective is to form men well – spiritually, pastorally, intellectually and humanly – in accordance with the mind of the Church. He need have no concern about the years of seminary formation.
The priesthood itself is tough, but it is the most wonderful way of life for those who are called.
I would agree with Adrian that, when so few men are coming forward, it is extraordinary that most dioceses fail to manifest a sense of urgency. Why is this not a priority for all bishops? Whom do they think will be celebrating the sacraments for our people in a few years’ time? The very best priests should be appointed vocations directors and university chaplains. Bishops should be constantly urging all their clergy to identify and nurture priestly vocations.
Nevertheless, we have to live in the Church as we find it, not as we would have it be. I would remind Adrian that the call to the priesthood comes from God – not from the vocations director, nor even from the bishop. Adrian has probably been conscious of some inner calling or desire for some time before he articulated it to others.
He should continue to listen in prayer to what God is saying to him. If this is genuine, it will not go away. If Adrian is called to the priesthood, then it is only in this capacity that he will find true fulfilment and meaning in his life.
If the thought that he might be called to the priesthood continues, and if he is attracted by the priestly ministry, then I would urge Adrian to return to future meetings. He should not judge others – they may have their own issues, as we all do. He is responsible for discerning his own vocation, not theirs.
I would also tell Adrian to relax. God loves us and does not play games with us. The Church rightly makes the process of discernment and formation a lengthy one. We are not asked to make an irrevocable commitment at an early stage, only to trust God, taking one step at a time. God will make it clear – through prayer and through others – whether this sense of calling is genuine. Adrian has already articulated his initial thoughts and reached out to the parish priest and the diocese. If he feels able, he should continue that path, so that he knows with certainty what it is God is asking of him.
The situation is not perfect today; it never has been. Some of the greatest saints answered the call to the priesthood in very imperfect times. Think of St Ignatius Loyola, St Philip Neri and the Curé d’Ars. Had they assessed the situation in purely secular terms, they would probably never have pursued the path to priesthood. We don’t wait for the times to become better; working with God’s grace, we strive to make them better ourselves. God calls saints in every walk of life who will seek personal holiness and, in doing so, build up His kingdom.
Adrian may have his misgivings, but I am sure that he is also capable of the nobility and generosity of soul to accept whatever God may be asking of him. I will keep both you and Adrian in my prayers.
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
This article appeared in the April edition of the Catholic Herald. To subscribe to our award-winning, thought-provoking magazine and have independent, high-calibre, counter-cultural and orthodox Catholic journalism delivered to your door anywhere in the world click HERE.
