It’s not hard to imagine the kind of trials these young men, being called to the priesthood today, have to endure. What is hard is to put oneself in their shoes and empathize. It must take great fortitude to wear the collar today, for any priest, old or young. The seminarian, however, is on trial; they can opt out if the road gets too tough to hoe. How much they need our support and prayers! Thick skin and guts? For sure. But more than natural stamina they need heroic holiness, humility, and a filial love for the Blessed Mother.
Our Sunday Visitor reports: While all Catholics have been affected by the sexual abuse crisis, there is one group that has had to face its implications in a particular way — seminarians. Their decision to follow their vocation under the current cloud of criticism and negativity is marked both by a strengthening of faith as well as feelings of sadness, mistrust and even embarrassment. Read more here.
