Priests stress importance of celibate life

(June 13, 2011) Catholic priests in eastern India have decided to formulate “healthy boundaries” so that they can lead a meaningful celibate life. About 35 priests from 20 dioceses in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal states reflected on a workshop entitled, “Response to Priestly Challenges Today with Reference to Celibate Life.” The June 7-10 workshop in Barasat, near Kolkata, suggested each diocese and region draw guidelines for priests. India’s Latin rite bishops’ conference is organizing similar workshops all over the country. Father G. A. Arul Raj, executive secretary of the Latin rite bishops’ conference’s commission for family, said the workshops aim to educate priests on cases of sexual abuse and paedophilia among the clergy that have been reported worldwide. Father Johnny Nedungatt, the Barasat workshop organizer, cited various cases and said, “Priests have the primary responsibility to keep within boundaries even if the other person tries to seduce him.” The Salesian priest who has been counselling priests and nuns for the past 20 years, asked participants to view their celibacy as God’s gift to be used in the service of those in their care. Participants realized the usefulness of prudent practices such as avoiding receiving women visitors and children at night or in their bedrooms. They were also advised against offering counselling in enclosed and private places. The dioceses of Bihar and Jharkhand hoped to have guidelines ready by August.