I have just finished reading Brendan Hoban’s new book Who will break the Bread for us.  It asks some very direct questions about the future of priesthood within the Irish Church. But more than that, it raises issues that the Church as a whole should be addressing. 

Hoban identifies two central issues, the advancing age profile of those priests currently serving parishes in Ireland (he has been ordained some 40 years) and the rapidly decreasing numbers entering seminaries. It is a picture reflected across Western Europe, but for this situation to be found in Ireland of all places, would have been unthinkable a few years ago. But there it is, there can be no disputing the data he presents. 

He goes on to consider some possible solutions.  We must ask, are the options proposed in conflict with faith or have they become established practice only through historical accident? 

We are living in a time wall between the experience of recent years and the stark reality that is facing us in the very near future. Now it is imperative that we listen to each other, that we honestly examine options in openness. Radical solutions are not so radical if they actually meet the missionary needs of the Church.  Our expectation that Francis will allow the option of discussion is crucial. 

When Charles Davis left the Church in 1966, he quoted in his book A question of Conscience, among other things, the constant tendency towards an intellectual dishonesty within the Church. I am sure that many would argue that this is not the case, but others will recognise an element within this phrase which rings true. We must be allowed to discuss the real issues that face us without the prohibition that some matters are not up for discussion. 

The compulsory celibate option demanded of the priesthood is but one question that can no longer be ignored. A year or so ago, in 2011, Bishop Edward Daly, the retired Bishop of Derry, wrote in his book A Troubled See that  -

“some of the most heartbreaking moments during my years as bishop were when priests came to me saying they could no longer live a celibate life and wished to resign from the active priesthood.”

 

St Peter and his wife produced by Eileen McCabe New York City              The image used with permission by the Movement for Married Clergy in the UK

                     

Resolving this matter alone will not solve our immediate problems. 

But neither will a return to the Church of pre-Vatican II years give us assurance of health for the future. 

Yet the glimpse that Francis has given us of what the Church could (and should be) must be acknowledged. To read postings on some websites you would think that he is part of the problem, not a vital hope in resolving our present difficulties. The rearguard action of a vociferous few must not be allowed to distract us from the journey we have embarked on. 

Brendan Hoban’s book is an honest and open attempt to look at the current reality. One would hope that it will be read by many, including our Bishops. When you are given warning of a likely train crash, it is prudent to adjust the points in good time. Read the book, it’s worth reading. It is available through the ACP website in Ireland.