How Tom Gumbleton showed us what the priestly vocation should be

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, 11 May 1983. Wiki image. Rob C. / Anefo

Source: Pax Christi USA

Joseph Nangle, OFM, writes:

The outpouring of tributes and the celebratory funeral liturgy for Bishop Tom Gumbleton bring deep thoughts about the Catholic priesthood which he so well represented. Even had he not become a bishop, Tom would be remembered for his commitment to his priestly vocation and the effect it had on thousands of people. Father (Bishop) Gumbleton will live in our memories as a glowing example of what a priest can be.

So, some thoughts on that special vocation.

It is probably jarring in this context to begin with several negative observations, but there is so much to criticize on this subject today. There should not be any illusions here.

There is above all the horrific and incredibly widespread cancer of the clerical scandal - the abuse of vulnerable people, especially children, to whom too many priests became diabolically predatory. That is the absolute worst evil committed by men who perverted the vocation to which, presumably, they felt called. Its extent is awful.

Connected with the scandal is the clerical mentality among many priests which has been often called out by Pope Francis. For men ordained to serve the People of God in imitation of Jesus, selfish clerical privilege is totally out of place.

Clericalism at least in part derives from the current seminary system that prepares men who are aspiring to be ordained as priests. Again, the Pope urges a general restructuring of this process. Instead of "gated communities" far from real life, he sees a crying need for seminarians to be in formation for priestly ministries alongside men and women who will be their partners in their service to the Church and World.

Finally, in the list of these serious problems with today's Catholic priesthood, the shrinking numbers of priests has reached a tipping point. Catholics who see this impending crisis are calling for the abrogation of celibacy as a condition for ordination and above all taking seriously the call to the priesthood which many women feel.

Despite these many serious problems surrounding this vital role in the Catholic Church, men like Father (Bishop) Gumbleton have lived lives doing immense good in and through their priestly ministries. They are living examples of a joyful spirit which radiates in and through them far beyond the structures of Catholicism.

Some examples of this phenomenon:

- the priest has the truly awesome privilege of leading the People of God in celebrating the Eucharist - conducting this sublime action "in memory of Him"

- priests celebrate the underused Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and are able to proclaim "through the ministry of the Church may you receive pardon and peace; and I absolve you from your sins [not in my name] in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

-dedicated priests have the confidence and love of the people they serve; it is palpable and amazing despite the darkness of the clerical scandal; the faithful seem to possess a sixth sense that recognizes priests who live lives of integrity.

- Finally, we come back to celibate chastity. It should surely be optional, but after studying the Catholic priesthood for years, one clinical psychologist said the following of men who have this gift:

"They have successfully negotiated each step of celibate development at the more or less appropriate stage… They manifest an interior freedom and integration that unite their individuality and their service… Sexual integration rests easily on their shoulders… These male celibates are not afraid of sex; they are not competitive with married Christians; they do not fear or distain women; they do not confuse celibacy with power or domination. Celibacy is their deeply personal… adjustment - they own it: it is their spiritual tie to the Reality most of them call God. These men are rare and a precious spiritual resource."

Didn't our beloved Bishop Tom Gumbleton personify this gift!

Joe Nangle OFM is a Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace and the 2023 Pax Christi USA Teacher of Peace. As a member of the Assisi Community in Washington, DC, he is dedicated to simple living and social change. Joe also serves as the Pastoral Associate for the Latino community at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Arlington, Virginia.

LINK

Pax Christi USA: https://paxchristiusa.org/