PadrePioOfPietrelcino Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 I have had numerous experiences which are both encouraging and very troubling... Many times we hear people say that if someone tells you "you'd make a good Priest/Brother/Sister" that it can be a positive sign of a vocation to that. Over the last several months I've had numerous people tell me "When you become a priest I'll come back to the Church and give you my confession" This week a woman told me she would join the Church when I become a priest. I find the trust people seem to be placing in me already encouraging, but I weep because if there is something about me which make the Church seem attractive it exists whether I am a priest or not. The truth is the truth, why would someone want to wait 6-8 years before coming back to the Sacraments, Why wait 6-8 years before deciding to join the Church. We don't even know that even IF I am called to the Seminary that I will be called to Ordination...I just find it troubling that some people seem to be attaching their faith to me, rather than seeing the truth and attaching it to Christ and his Church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luigi Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 The culture operates on the cult of personality. That cult affects the way people perceive the church. Note that even the pope is supposed to be a rock star. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SisterSnowflake Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 This is totally what I meant in a post elsewhere (about new foundations) when I said, "It troubles me when I read "I'm the founder!" on many start up groups...maybe that is just my SSJness coming through, but focusing on a particular person feels 'icky' to me." Look at the Legion of Christ (a great bunch, by the way). WAY too much emphasis was put on the founder. A cult of personality definitely existed in regard to Maciel and now a good group suffers because of this. I know what you mean, Padre Pio & Luigi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitpèlerin Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Yes. I trust reluctant founders: Francis of Assisi, Marie-Dominique Philippe (founder of Community of St John), um, people like them who eventually accept responsibility for what God gives them (spiritual brothers, sisters, and children) but never set out looking for it. The more hands-off and obscure the founder, the more likely it's the Holy Spirit who's doing the leading and inspiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbTherese Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 1 Corinthians Ch 3: " [4] For while one saith, I indeed am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollo; are you not men? What then is Apollo, and what is Paul? [5] The ministers of him whom you have believed; and to every one as the Lord hath given. [6] I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gave the increase. [7] Therefore, neither he that planteth is any thing, nor he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SisterSnowflake Posted March 9, 2013 Share Posted March 9, 2013 Perfect verse, Barbara Therese! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbTherese Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Thank you - as the verse runs "neither he that plants is anything, nor he that waters." All that is good is the Holy Spirit at work, often through the most unlikely of vessels. And again, I preach to the converted :) : Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarysLittleFlower Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 I think if this happens to you, maybe use it as an opportunity to tell them about Jesus and put the focus on Him :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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