Fr. Erik Richtsteig in obliquely discussing the situation with Fr. Francis Mary Stone of EWTN made a point that I think deserves far more attention aside any discussion of that situation:
When I hear a priest opine that marriage is the solution to problems, it always occurs to me that he is not hearing enough confessions.
The point being that a priest is a priest is a priest. The quote from Psalm 110, “The Lord has sworn an oath and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek‘” comes to mind. The solution to trials in the priesthood is resolution to become a better priest, not to leave. (Remember, I’m talking in generic terms here and am not making any judgment on Fr. Stone.) There are remedies to problems in our lives and we find them in the context of our lives, not by wishing we were something we are not.
Fr. Francis Mary Stone, of course, remains in my prayers as does the woman in this situation. This is an incredible trial and difficulty for the many people involved and we only pray it is resolved as the Lord desires. Oremus!
