Helena, Mont., Jan 9, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Speaking last month on the occasion of the first priestly ordination in his diocese since becoming its head in 2004, Helena Bishop George Thomas called the Catholic priesthood a marked sign of contrast to the values of secular culture.
The bishop’s comments come as the priesthood faces profound challenges because of recent sexual abuse scandals, controversy over homosexuals in seminaries and heightened secular scrutiny.
Overall though, Bishop Thomas said that “Eric [the new priest] is being ordained in a day and age when science and technology are king, and an understanding of priesthood eludes glib sound-byte descriptors.”
“He is being called to Holy Orders at a time when degrees, pedigrees and status symbols are often the measure of the man. The Catholic priesthood stands in marked contrast to these secular symbols of success.”