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Peter's avatar

This is really quite worrying and makes me wonder if this same dynamic exists beyond France is different ways. I'm certain it does. I remember reading a few years ago that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find priests willing to become bishops. While the most optimistic view of this would be that there is a holy fear and piety motivating this as we see in the stories of many of the saints, my suspicion is that it's sign of burn out among clergy more broadly. Priests are burnt out or on the brink of it and don't want more work and responsibility. I hope that I'm just being a pessimist, but I see this as one of the more worrying signs of where we are headed.

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JDP MCC's avatar

In Ireland, the diocese of Derry was vacant for a while and the Nuncio Charles Brown had terrible difficulties in filling it since men know what is demanded of them, mainly admin responsibilities and clearing up the detritus of the previous incumbent! One candidate who arrived at the Nuncio's house and told he was to be bishop, complained: What did I do wrong? Does the Holy father hate me? 40/50 years ago many would be wishing for a bishopric perhaps to enjoy the last Indian summer of being an Prince Bishop; but now your head goes above the para pit and ones realises that your not in Kansas anymore!!!

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