(June 10, 2010) There is a beautiful aspect of celibacy that underlines a priest's
dedication to serve each and every person as a brother or sister in Christ, says Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone. He was addressing on the topic priesthood and celibacy Wednesday
afternoon at the "Priests Today" conference, held at Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.
Priests "are essentially brothers among brothers, in whom they recognize the face
of Christ. Brothers of every person, of men and women, whom they must love and serve
with total selflessness, without any attachment, without seeking their own interest,"
explained Cardinal Bertone. "Thus is understood the present importance and beauty
of celibacy. And in you this beauty radiates that unconditional love which has always
been extremely valued by the Church, as sign and stimulus of charity and as special
source of fruitfulness in the world," he added. The Church and humanity, the cardinal
stated, "Are in need of priests of this mettle, of authentic 'prophets of a new world,'
that world that began with the coming of Christ, which is in continuous becoming,
in continuous formation." He added that "At this time we have had to bear the sorrow
of infidelity of some members of the clergy, but it is necessary to live 'a period
of rebirth and spiritual renewal,' to follow 'with courage the path of conversion,
purification and reconciliation,' 'to find new ways to transmit to young people the
beauty and richness of friendship with Jesus Christ in the communion of his Church.'"
Thousands of priests from 70 countries took part in the half-day event that marked
the beginning of the closing ceremonies of the Year for Priests, which ends Friday.