Sigh...

By now, some of you are probably aware of the sadness at EWTN, as Father Francis Mary, the longtime host of "Life on the Rock," took a leave of absence last week from the show to discern his vocation to the priesthood after becoming emotionally involved with a widow that he was counseling. This has come as crushing news to many viewers of the show, particularly teens, who looked up to Father Francis Mary as a role model.

This is not the first time this has happened to a priest and it won't be the last. We must pray constantly for the strength of our priests, who can go through bouts of loneliness and doubt from time to time. This must be a struggle for some priests who get quite involved in the lives of their parishioners through counseling and spiritual direction. But when is it time to cut it off? Where is the line drawn?

On some blogs, commenters are also rehashing the tired argument against priestly celibacy. No priest is forced to be celibate. They freely choose it when they are ordained, so that argument is moot. The challenges to remain celibate in this hyper-sexualized, pornified world must be great, but a healthy view of celibacy and chastity -- per John Paul II's theology of the body -- is important. It is an amazing, inspiring witness to see men and women who, knowing that their sexuality is a gift from God, offer it back to Him (this is not a rejection, although society portrays it that way) so that they can serve their spouse, the Church. Christopher West portrays it beautifully in his book "The Good News About Sex and Marriage:"

As a sacrament, the "one flesh" union of marriage is only a sign and foreshadowing of things to come. We're created for nuptual union with God. That's what sexual desire ultimately points to -- our desire for heaven. . .

. . . Only by looking toward this heavenly reality can we properly understand the celibate vocation. As we read in the Gospel, Christ calls some of his followers to embrace celibacy, not for celibacy's sake but 'for the sake of the kingdom.' (Mt 19:12) "The kingdom" is precisely the heavenly marriage. In short, those who choose celibacy are "skipping" the sacrament in anticipation of the real thing. (page 160)

There is much more to expand on there, but you should read the book, hear his tapes or come to his talk Dec. 4 at St. Patrick at 7:30 p.m.

Let us pray for Father Francis Mary during this difficult time, as well as for the family he is involved in. Let us pray for the EWTN community, which seems to be struggling hard with this news. And let us pray for all priests and nuns who have chosen celibacy. Thank you so much for your strength and for pointing us to the heavenly banquet.