I often get asked to write references for people, it is priestly thing, very occassionally I get asked to write one for someone aspiring to the religious life, I have written a few of these, mainly for rather strict, traditional, continental monasteries or convents.Today I sent off a reference for someone applying for the secular priesthood, unfortunately not for my own diocese. Say a prayer for him, I think he will make an excellent priest.
3 comments:
Father, here in the US, we try not to use the word "secular", instead we use "diocesan". The word "secular"(of or pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred; temporal)has a negative connotation like secular world.
Dear Father,
Aout the prayer for your recent aspirant. Yes of course, wholeheartedly.
This is very good news, thanks for sharing it with us! I will certainly remember him in my prayers today.
Fr in the US: I personally prefer the word secular to diocesan. I find it a good reminder that 'diocesan priests' live in the secular world 'among' the faithful (which is encouraging on many levels), as opposed to religious in community. And I also think it's a good idea to 'take back' words which may have become misunderstood.
Post a Comment