Valuing the Priesthood

by Letters Editor · Published December 4, 2018 · Updated December 4, 2018

(photo:CNS)

Peter Hendricks, Cape Town – Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, who called for the excommunication of all priests who abuse minors (November 7), should be given the Nobel Peace Prize.

His statement shows how much he values the priesthood, and fine priests, and sees those who abuse minors as having betrayed their priesthood.

Among fine priests was Mgr Anthony Seba, who, on March 19, 1998, the 60th anniversary of his ordination, wrote words that still ring true.

Mgr Seba started by quoting Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor from 161-180AD: “Think of what you have, rather than what you lack. Of what you have, select the best and then reflect how eagerly you would have sought it if you did not have it.”

Mgr Seba then said: “For me, that is my priesthood. I cannot imagine what my life would have been without it. “It has given me, even on a human level, all that I prize most.

“It has allowed me to develop as me. It’s been what has enriched my mind, my heart, and my personality, as nothing else would have done. “I believe that without it my life would have been an Arctic waste.”

How many seminarians take the priesthood truly seriously?

I believe many have their own agendas, and are admitted to seminaries too easily, without a probation period.