What’s it like being married to a Catholic priest?
May 27, 2014
By Deacon Greg Kandra
With this item from Pope Francis making news, the usual debates about priestly celibacy are again taking place.
Here’s a point of view you don’t often hear, though, from the wife of a Byzantine Catholic priest. While her experience may not be universal, it offers a lot of food for thought. She lists a number of warnings for women who are considering marrying a seminarian.
A snip:
1. He might not be ordained as a deacon and priest, and he might blame you. The bishop doesn’t guarantee ordination when a man starts studying. Perhaps the bishop decides he is not priest material. Perhaps the people don’t sing ‘Axios!’ at the ordination. Perhaps politics swings back to married men even in the Eastern Churches not being permitted to be ordained. And maybe politics starts sending priests to Siberia again. Perhaps the bishop doesn’t like you. Well, it is a done deal. Marriage or celibacy comes before any ordination.
2. He will be considered a second-class priest. Even in the east, celibacy and monasticism is considered higher and for the ‘kingdom.’ Have you ever wondered why non-monks in the Roman-rite are called ‘secular’ priests? Prepare yourself for the day that the Roman-rite prayer group potluck waits as long as possible for Fr Celibate to arrive to bless the food. Fr Husband can bless the food if the other does not show. Married priests are just too ‘down to earth’ for some believers. Look to the cross and take joy in forced humility. Everyone needs this once in a while.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2014/05/whats-it-like-being-married-to-a-catholic-priest/
Here's the original article:
http://remnantofremnant.blogspot.com/2013/11/7-reasons-not-to-marry-your-byzantine.html
Here's an Orthodox perspective:
http://www.pravmir.com/the-shadow-of-a-priest/
