Two editorials and one column in the Sentinel recently targeted the Catholic Church negatively. I would like to present another point of view.

First, may I say that Philip Davis’ reading of history in the Feb. 9 columns differs from mine as much as major news networks differ from each other (“Maine Compass: Catholic Church should allow priests to marry“). What was especially absent was the God-Dimension, the determining force behind every step of history. Over the centuries, overwhelming love of God for his people has stirred countless numbers of men and women to consecrated celibacy in total-hearted response, body and soul. It began in first-century Rome with women choosing martyrdom over marriage for the love of Christ: Agnes, Agatha, Cecilia to name a few.

To say that consecrated celibacy is abnormal or unhealthy implied that marriage is the answer to all things. Yet the high percentage of divorces today gives pause to this theory. That fewer young men and women are responding to God’s call to celibacy is due in large part to the eroticism of our society, which makes such a call harder to hear. (cf. Mk 4: 10-20).

During two thousand years followers of Christ have creatively channeled sexual energy for the upbuilding of society, if one considers the contribution of monasteries, hospitals, schools, and more.

I am sorry that the writer has met with unhappy or unhealthy priests and nuns, which of course can also be found in every walk of life. I would be happy to meet him in person for further dialogue, if he wishes.

Sr. Catherine Marie Caron, SSS

Waterville

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