A front-page story in today's Los Angeles Times takes a remarkably positive yet honest look at the sometimes-difficult road to ordination. Through interviews with men studying at the Junipero Serra House of Formation in the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, we get to hear first-hand about some of the struggles and joys of the young men who are following a difficult but fulfilling call to serve God and His people.
From the story:
"Alex Rodarte, 27, of Rialto, left a girlfriend to follow the priesthood. Never especially religious, he began to embrace his faith after his father survived a stroke about five years ago. He started reading children's books about the saints and attending communion classes and Mass. In faith, he found unexpected purpose.To read the full story, click HERE.
Having finished two years at Serra House, Rodarte is moving to Chicago next month to study philosophy at Loyola, but not without some disquiet about the woman he left behind. He said he still misses her at times, recalling the pain he felt last fall when she told him she had met someone new.
"I know how beautiful a relationship with a woman can be, but I feel privileged that I've been called to celibacy," Rodarte said. "There is something really beautiful about giving up everything I would want to help other people."
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1 comments:
I can see a potential conflict for some priests/potential priests with celibacy. That only means they are human. It must be hard to be 25 to 30 years old and to make such decisions, although many marry at that age (or younger) and succeed. Should celibacy be a sacrifice for them? If it is a sacrifice and they live with regret, have they made the wrong decision?
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