Cardinal worried over status of priests in society

The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is seriously concerned over the shriveling image of priests in the society and Church.

"In recent years there is a decline in the exalted position and recognition that the priests used to receive traditionally in the Church and Society," Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil wrote in a pastoral letter on the ocassion of the Church observing 'Year of Priests'.

Identifying the reasons for his 'anguish', the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, underlined the "not-so-ideal manner of living of a few priests, their conduct and conversations not in tune with the dignity of priesthood, and above all their lack of spiritual life" which may have contributed to the situation.

"The unprincipled and non-transparent activities of some priests also may have paved the way for it. All of you, both as individuals and as a community of priests, must consider this issue seriously," he urged.

"All must take care to make adequate amendments through mortification and self-discipline. In this year for priests I invite all of you to take a firm resolution that you will not in any way be a cause to diminish the radiance of priesthood."

Pope Benedict XVI had declared the year commencing from June 19, 2009 to June 2010, as the year of priests for the Universal Church.

In his exhortation to the Indian priests, Cardinal Vithayathil called for a spiritual renewal by prayer and meditation on the Word of God.

"It is certain that if you can lead a life keeping the presence of God always in your mind and meditating daily on the Word of God, then the people who approach you will experience a divine spirit in you and in what you say and in what you do," he said.

"Only when your hearts are transformed into the likeness of the love-filled heart of Jesus, can you claim the uniqueness of priesthood," he pointed.