The vow of celibacy is a matter of keeping one's word to Christ and the Church. a duty and a proof of the priest's inner maturity; it is the expression of his personal dignity.
quote by Pope John Paul II
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Related quotes
Life of a Roman Catholic Priest
A priest is nearest Christ;
A priest is Christ at times;
A priest is almost Christ;
A priest is most divine.
A priest is God’s shepherd;
A priest must tend to flock;
A priest must be like ‘rock’;
A priest should ne’er defrock.
A priest communes with God;
A priest draws hope from Lord;
A priest shows love of Christ;
A priest carries His Cross!
A priest is tempted too;
A priest has falls in life;
A priest falters also;
A priest has strength from Christ.
A priestly job is tough;
A priest’s life can turn rough;
A priest has strife enough,
But has to smile and laugh!
A priest helps harvest souls;
A priest has many roles;
A priest has but one goal –
To drink from Christ’s own bowl!
Pray that more priests should come;
May priests curb their freedom;
May priest usher Kingdom;
A life for Christ’s welcome.
Fondly dedicated to Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius,
Beloved Parish priest, ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai
Copyright by Dr John Celes 25-7-2010
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I have decided: Finally.
My family donated me to mother church, a priest to be.
Because no one consulted me, I had no chance to disagree.
So in due course I was ordained and found I’d lost more than I gained
The church had educated me. I’d won a double first degree
My parents did what they thought best they acted in my interest.
There was no way I could protest. Though I must say I’m not impressed with the way that things were done and recently I have begun.
To realise resentfully my future was mapped out for me.
I am expected to repress the normal feelings I possess.
A problem which all priests address. I am a man no more no less.
I am quite certain that I would not have chosen the priesthood.
I have decided that I should quit the priesthood and for good
The practice of celibacy seems quite unnatural to me.
I am convinced a priest should be free to have a family.
The church has made a grave mistake expecting every priest to take
A vow which causes so much heart ache. I must resign: Make a clean break.
To earn my living honestly in some profession where I’m free
To wed and raise a family. Celibacy is not for me.
Monday,26 April 2010
http: // blog.myspace.com/poeticpiers
poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Celibacy is not a matter of compulsion. Someone is accepted as a priest only when he does it of his own accord.
quote by Joseph Ratzinger
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Blessed By The Word
God blesses men with His Word, when The Living Truth is heard,
The hearts of eager men are spurred, at the reading of His Word.
Throughout His Word there is proof, of the Power of God’s Truth,
Even men who disdain The Truth, have seen His hand of reproof.
The Living Word is sharper than, a two-edged sword dear friend,
It changes the inner heart of men, leading many to a Godly end.
The Word of God can surely win, any heart that’s opposed in sin,
And The Word will change within, as you begin to walk with Him.
Friend no matter how you start, The Lord can change any heart,
Once you let Him in your heart, The Word of God will not depart.
The Word of God my dear friend, unlike the world will never end,
And all of eternity we will spend, with The Living Word my friend.
The Word of God changes your life, as you live for Jesus Christ,
Who gave Himself as a sacrifice, so men could have Eternal Life.
Christ is The Word my friend, although many didn’t comprehend,
When He came to dwell with men, coming down to be our friend.
You this day can have New Life, through The Lord Jesus Christ,
Who with His blood paid the price, as God’s redeeming sacrifice.
God will bless you for Eternity, believe in Christ and you will see,
When in The Word you believe, Eternal Life you will then receive.
(Copyright ©06/2006)
And I definitely wanted to be a writer, but I felt a duty now, having used up those educational resources, I felt a duty to the church and my parents to become a priest.
quote by Thomas Keneally
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Priest At The Serapeion
My kind old father
whose love for me has always stayed the same
I mourn my kind old father
who died two days ago, just before dawn.
Jesus Christ, I try continually
in my every thought, word, and deed
to keep the commandments
of your most holly Church; and I reject
all who deny you. But now I mourn:
I grieve, O Christ, for my father
even though he was -terrible as it is to say it
priest at that cursed Serapeion.
poem by Constantine P. Cavafy
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Searching For a Church?
After your long and weary search, have you found the perfect church?
A simple church ruled by men; the perfect church you can’t condemn.
Or do they all appear the same, just another building with His Name?
And once inside you’re not sure, if you feel the presence of The Lord.
There’s only one true Church of God, upon this earth that all men trod.
That is The Church of Jesus Christ, and bought by Jesus, with His life.
God’s Church has no denomination, for in Christ is only one Salvation.
His Church has no walls my friend; it has a beginning but has no end.
Christ’s Church began at Pentecost, not for the righteous, but the lost.
His Church is made of sinful men, whom by God were all condemned.
But redeemed with a special price, when His Son became a sacrifice.
Then dipped into a cleansing flood; sinners purified by Christ’s Blood.
Are you looking to men to find, God’s forgiveness and peace of mind?
My friend, are you truly not that sure, where you can go to be secure?
Christ’s first Church had no steeple, and was filled with humble people.
Humble people who gave their life, to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
If you’re still searching for a church, you should end your weary search.
The Church is men like you and me, saved by Christ’s work on Calvary.
Nothing’s been added to the cross, except sinners who once were lost,
Since, they’ve entered in The Door, and now belong to Christ The Lord.
(Copyright ©04/2006)
Sex & The Church
Though the idea of compassion
Is said to be
The union of christ
And his bride, the christian
Its all very puzzling
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
And the church
And the church
All the great mystic religions
Put strong emphasis, on
Redeame this spiritual qualities
Of sex of sex
Chrstianity
Has been pretty modern
About sex
Of sex of sex of sex of sex
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex sex
I think there is a union
Between the flesh and the spirit
Its sex and the church
Sex and the church
All religions mother
Give me youre freedom of spirit
And the joys of the flesh
Of sex sex sex and the church
Give me youre freedom of spirit
And the joys of the flesh
Of sex sex sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
And the church
And the church
Sex sex
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex sex
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
And the church
And the church
Sex sex
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex sex
Sex
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex and the church
Sex sex
song performed by by David Bowie
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.
quote by Samuel Ullman
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Vox Ecclesiae, Vox Christi
Not 'neath the altar only,—yet, in sooth,
There more than elsewhere,—is the cry, “How long?”
The right sown there hath still borne fruit in wrong—
The wrong waxed fourfold. Thence, (in hate of truth)
O'er weapons blessed for carnage, to fierce youth
From evil age, the word hath hissed along:—
“Ye are the Lord's: go forth, destroy, be strong:
Christ's Church absolves ye from Christ's law of ruth.”
Therefore the wine-cup at the altar is
As Christ's own blood indeed, and as the blood
Of Christ's elect, at divers seasons spilt
On the altar-stone, that to man's church, for this,
Shall prove a stone of stumbling,—whence it stood
To be rent up ere the true Church be built.
poem by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Corporate Worship
Most Believers gather corporately, to worship The Eternal Creator,
The Lamb of God from Calvary, The Lord our God and our Savior;
Believers are filled by God's Word, to guide us all through this life,
As we're led, by all we have heard, from the words of Jesus Christ.
We too are filled with Christ's Spirit, as He dwells within our hearts,
Moved in Truth, this as we hear it, as Truth to us His Spirit imparts;
And so we worship God in Truth; Words of Truth from God above,
With our life as His living proof, when we display a Christ like love.
All God's people worship in liberty, being freed through the blood,
From the rugged cross of Calvary, controlled by the Spirit of God;
We must worship in full unity, as Christ's Body, through New Birth,
Worshiping The God of Eternity, as God's Church, upon this earth.
Believers value the Church's history, the people of God in the past,
As we journey forward to eternity, a time for all that will forever last;
Believers value God's present ways, as we worship Christ together,
Lifting up to The Lord our praise, till one day we praise Him forever.
Indeed we value all people of God, together, for one Great Mission,
Believers across this earth we trod, fulfilling His Great Commission;
So we gather as God's people, remembering God's Great Sacrifice,
Moving beyond church and steeple, to bring others to Jesus Christ.
As His Wife
As Christ’s Church and as His wife, we have a purpose in our life,
When we gather together as one, under the headship of The Son,
In worship and instruction friend, together we seek a glorious end.
When we fellowship in one place, as believers to express our faith.
Worship friend’s an integral part, of expressing what’s in our heart,
As we worship Christ our King, with all our hearts in song we sing.
Worship through heartfelt song, from all The Lord’s earthly throng,
Praises lifted to The Lord above, thanking Him for all Christ’s Love.
Instruction we get from The Word, when The Truth of God is heard,
God using The Word of the Lord, sharper than a two-edged sword,
Instructing believers in our daily life, how to live each day for Christ.
As God’s Word cuts deep within, helping The Body to deal with sin.
Fellowship too, is an essential key, to prepare believers for eternity,
While building up the Body of Christ, God shapes us for eternal life.
Fellowship in every local church, strengths us in our Savior’s worth,
Reaching out unto your brother, as believers building up each other.
Expressing our faith in The Lord, is what Christ’s Church is here for,
Making disciples in every nation, to share with all men His salvation.
Expressing our faith in Jesus Christ, while being for Him a sacrifice,
Whatever the pain or the cost, to reach for Christ a world that’s lost.
(Copyright ©06/2006)
The curate had the grace to blush
The young curate grew quite harassed
discussing sexuality.
Because he was so embarrased
Although he tried quite doggedly.
When questioned on conjugal rights.
By a young lady to be wed
He tried to be so definite
of duties which pertained to bed.
He stated blithely that a man
had appetites he must fulfil
What rights she asked, had the woman?
The question was beyond his skill.
He only knew what he’d been taught.
Naïve and inexperienced
He did not have a stock retort
and what he said made little sense.
He thought he’d better call a halt.
Refer the lady to the priest
and readily admit his fault.
It did not matter in the least.
The priest could only say the same
relying on the churches rule
He too had never played the game
which left him looking like a fool
The question was legitimate
Why should only men have rights
and women submit to their mate.
She rightly thought would lead to fights.
Neither of them could satisfy
the lady’s curiosity
and she was left to wonder why.
The church favoured celibacy.
You can’t advise if you don’t know
the subject you are asked about.
Which to the lady served to show
the churches failings without doubt.
poem by Ivor Or Ivor.e Hogg
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Living God
Living proof of The Living God, surrounds you wherever you trod,
The creation itself is proof, that God does exist with all His Truth.
And friend, He is a loving God, comforting you with staff and rod,
He’s the Shepherd from above, guiding us with an awesome love.
Friend, He is a personal God, smiling down upon you with a nod,
He wants to be to you a friend, guiding you personally to the end.
The Lord indeed is a Holy God, for purity and holiness is His lot,
Friend, we are to live a holy life, to reflect our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is indeed a Righteous God, and coming back with an iron rod.
Unrighteousness will be no more, when Jesus reigns forevermore.
And He, my friend, has no façade, simply open The Word of God,
You can read the many pages, where God’s been for many ages.
The Lord, He is a faithful God, and you my friend, He will not cod,
God will never fool you friend, for God, Righteousness is His end.
He is not an overbearing God, your heart He will just gently prod,
As He waits for you to believe, and then His Son, you do receive.
He is a God who died for you, upon a wicked cross for all to view,
And just like The Lord Jesus Christ, we are to be a living sacrifice.
Since He is indeed a loving God; to refuse His Love is rather odd,
But this is what many men do, even though The Lord died for you.
The Lord did die, this is true, but Christ rose again for me and you.
He’s now in Glory, on His Throne, waiting to prepare you a home,
Up in Heaven where you can be, in God’s presence for all Eternity.
So believe in God and Jesus Christ, and you will enter Eternal Life.
A Disciple of Christ
When you cleave onto God’s Word, the Truth of God that you heard,
And choose to follow Jesus Christ, allowing God’s Word into your life,
You then become a disciple of, The Lord and Savior and God above.
Only in Christ, are men truly free, with a freedom that spans Eternity.
It is a freedom which begins inside, when in Jesus Christ you abide.
In God’s Word is revealed proof, that Jesus Christ is the Living Truth.
Knowing this Truth sets men free; that is sinful men like you and me,
From the bondage we’re now in, the hidden bondage that we call sin.
As this Truth you’ve come to know, within your heart begins to grow,
You dear friend indeed will find, frees both your heart and your mind.
You will know just why Christ came, and endured the cross of shame,
With The Truth you can reason why, our Lord Jesus Christ had to die.
Friend, every heart that Christ frees, The Lord above fills with peace,
And His Truth supplies the Light, to lead you out of the darkest night.
Because this Truth is The Light, it’s the only way that’s eternally right.
The Way, the Truth and Life is but one, Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son.
This Truth my friend is Jesus Christ, Truth which leads to Eternal Life.
That is why only Christ can say; He is The Truth, The Light and Way.
Today embrace The Word of God; Truth will guide the path you trod,
Make His Word a part of your life, and you will be a disciple of Christ.
(Copyright ©08/2006)
He's My Friend
He promised me that when we started, He would be with me to the end,
For He isn't just a man, but He's my Lord, and my God, and my Friend.
Understanding these basic facts the early Church stood in one accord,
For this very unity of the Church is for what The Lord had implored.
The very Word that started the Church, must today be again explored,
As adherence to The Word is the only way true unity will be restored.
It is Jesus Christ who is that very Word, and He will not be ignored,
For being sent with The Father's authority, to many He is their Lord.
For He was given full authority from His Father with a pleasing nod,
And when Doubting Thomas saw Him, he responded “My Lord and My God.”
So my dear friend its time to strip off your useless worldly facade,
For when Christ returns, He will rule His Eternal Kingdom with a rod.
For Christ knows all about your life and where your feet have trod,
And Jesus leads to paths of righteousness, for many He is their God.
He commanded us to preach the Gospel, before to Heaven He did ascend,
It is The Truth for us to live by, not simply an option to recommend.
This is a message that many with hardened hearts won't comprehend,
And there are those who live unrighteous, whose hearts it will offend.
Let Him in and see, that the darkest heart His Grace will transcend,
For Jesus Christ would like to be your Lord, your God, and Friend.
(Copyright © 05/2002)
The church may hold whatever it holds with regard to clerical celibacy.
quote by William P. Leahy
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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‘holy Family Church House-warming, Perundurai, T.n.’
Excerpt from Dr John Celes’ Welcome Speech
(to be held on 05-02-2010)
The Shepherd comes to meet his flock,
And bless the church that’s newly built,
Wherein an older church had stood on rock –
A sacred ground of prayer for Catholics!
Let’s welcome him; let’s welcome him, ye sheep!
He brings with him his staff that protects us;
This is the time our hearts with joy must weep;
The anointing will give us greater bliss.
Let’s thank the Lord for giving us this house
Of prayer to worship the ‘King of kings’;
Let everyone take Jesus Christ as spouse,
And tread the road to heaven as earthlings.
The Church though small looks splendidly laid out;
It has been christened ‘Holy Family Church’;
Our parish is a small one without doubt,
Nevertheless, peeps in internet-search!
The flock is one led by our parish priest,
Father Claudius, a dynamic, young man!
Who works hard without mistakes in the least;
‘May God give him good health and long life-span! ’
Our heart-felt thanks to Bishop and all souls
Who gave the land for building the new Church;
Our hearty thanks to all who played new roles,
And doled the sums that can now help to preach.
God made it possible to build His house!
Let’s worship Him with masses, hymns and pray;
Let’s reach the world at the click of a mouse!
And preach the Word of God by night and day.
We thank You God for giving us this place,
And worship Jesus Christ, as a family;
Let sweat of foreheads reinforce this base,
And help to rear this provident LILY!
Dedicated to: The Most. Rev. Dr. Thomas Aquinas M.A., DCL.,
Bishop of Coimbatore diocese
Rev. Fr. Xavier Claudius, the Parish priest and
All parishners of ‘Holy Family Church, Perundurai, T.N., ’
Copyright by Dr John Celes 4-11-2010
poem by John Celes
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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His True Church
I know many religious people, and one Church with no steeple,
A church that’s built with no walls, built on only believing souls,
Built upon an Eternal Foundation, that being our very Salvation,
Built upon The One Cornerstone, and that is Jesus Christ alone.
Many, who worship in a building, to Truth alone, are unyielding,
Building a church on tradition, God’s Truth, with man’s addition,
Added to the work finished by, Jesus Christ who reigns on high,
Ignoring His words “it is finished”, Grace by many is diminished.
Men making a way to Heaven, not by grace but religious leaven,
Building church in a human way, as they lead many souls astray,
As many souls weekly perch, in the pews of a manmade church,
Relying on their religious activity, to help them work into eternity.
“I will build my Church” He said, that was Christ, who is the Head,
Head of His True Church on earth, filled with souls, by New Birth,
All members being Born Again, into His Church, not one of men,
You’ll find, you no longer search, as a member of God’s Church.
Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life, as Head of the Church of Christ,
And each of us is a living stone, built through faith in Christ alone,
His Church He proceeds to build, to complete as His Father willed,
Leading the only True Church friend, as others shall see in the end.
The Narrow Way
Narrow thinking is the only way; everything else is stubble and hay.
The sin of arrogance and of pride, is the reason why our Jesus died.
Even Jesus had intolerant views, and He’s the author of Good News.
For Jesus said “I am the Way”; a pretty bold statement for one to say.
Today many have come to endear, Christ’s Truth which is quite clear,
While others with darkened minds, embrace thinking of a different kind.
Although Jesus was very clear, many men seek their own way I fear.
They go on to a destructive path, ending not in blessing but in wrath,
For these men have no reverent fear, and their end is also quite clear:
They will be told to depart from Christ, at the end of their earthly life.
Christ also said He was The Truth; The Word alone is substantial proof,
Proof that Christ was the one, that The Bible said one day, would come.
Coming as the prophets foretold, makes His word more valued than gold.
But wicked men malign The Truth, with doubting hearts filled with reproof.
But Christ is The Eternal Truth friend, and all will see this come the end.
Friend, one other claim of Jesus Christ, is that for all men He is The Life.
He gave His life up for all men, so that in Him they are not condemned.
The life Jesus came down to give, is more than the life that you now live.
For all who come to Christ and believe, Eternal Life they shall receive.
But without Him upon you last breath; you face not life but eternal death.
For He is The Way, Truth and Life, and yes friend, that is Jesus Christ.
So the very words of Christ you read, are eternal words you must heed.
And friend, narrow is the only path, which for all eternity indeed will last.
And broad is the one to destruction, and that’s not man’s mere deduction.
For not broad but narrow is the one, to Eternal Life with God’s Only Son.