Image of the priesthood [editorial]

Media

Part of Boletin Eclesiastico de Filipinas

Title
Image of the priesthood [editorial]
Language
English
Year
1971
Rights
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Fulltext
EDITORIAL the effects of these adjustments which afterwards make the strata of the earth stable and firm. Now we have also witnessed some social quakes in the country. Various sectors of society rose up in strikes and demonstrations which rocked the nation. They have also caused havoc and destruction to some persons and in. some places. These socialquakes cannot but make one think and ask these questions: Are there perhaps some "vacuum-spots" in certain parts or strata of our society of which these socialquakes are symptoms and effects? If there are, what are they? Where are they? And what can we — the priests — do to help solve the situation in the light of the doctrines of our Faith? Image of the Priesthood Last February 17th and 18th, the Seminary Rectors of the Philippines had a conference in Baguio City. It was convened and presided by Archbishop Carmine Rocco, Apostolic Nuncio, and Bishop Jaime Sin, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries. One of the items in the agenda was the problem of recruitment and discernment of priestly vocations. The Seminary Rectors presented two resolutions on the matter, namely, first, the creation of a National Commission on Vocation^ to prepare materials, literature, and plans etc. to facilitate the work of recruitment and discernment of vocations, and second, the creation of Diocesan Commissions on Vocations to take care of the work in the diocesan and parochial levels. It is interesting to note, however, that during the discussions something was brought out as a pre-requisite for actual recruitment. It is the "Proper image of the priesthood". It was the consensus of the Rectors that unless we have this "proper image" the recruiting will not be as fruitful as expected. But who can really project the "proper image ol the priesthood"? The National Commission? The Diocesan Commission? Or the Seminarians and the priests 'hemselves?