Married Catholic men need not apply, 'viri probati' not for St. Louis region

[Heddi]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/married-catholic-men-need-not-apply-viri-probati-not-for-st-louis-region/421586935

ST. LOUIS - Parishes and the number of ordained catholic priests who serve them are shrinking around the world. The Diocese of Belleville is a prime example of that. Monsignor John Myler serves the diocese and explained the intricacies behind using viri probati as a solution to the priest shortage.

To begin with, Pope Francis would like to study the ancient solution before making any decision on whether to use it. It was first employed in the 1st century after Christ’s death, but by the 4th century its use came to an end.

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If used today, it would likely only be employed in remote parts of the world where the number of priests per parishioners were extremely low. Myler gave an example of an American priest on a mission to Bolivia. According to Myler, he is the only ordained priest serving 100,000 Catholics.
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The number of deacons, priests, and cardinals have fluctuated over the centuries. Currently, the church is seeing a decline in catholic men attending seminary coupled with the retirement of many aging priests.

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“If we priests can continue to be happy, in our priesthood; happy among our people; and if the people of God will continue to pray for more priests; the spirit will call and men will answer,” said Myler.