Saturday, December 30, 2006
NEWLY ORDAINED MARRIED MAN
Fr. Dwight Longenecker was ordained in Greenville, South Carolina on December 14. His sons participated in the ordination ceremony. Fr. Longenecker converted from the Anglican faith and priesthood to Roman Catholicism, and now to Roman Catholic priesthood.
He has written a very balanced reflection on the married priesthood which appeared in the National Catholic Register's December issue and is now online. One of the things that stands out most clearly in the article is his humility.
It's such an interesting change to find humility in a priest. I don't see it very often, but when I do, it's an immediate draw. It is one of Fr. Altier's greatest attractions. It is also one of the greatest attractions of an African priest whose Masses I've attended in recent weeks. It draws me in like the Magi to a new star. Humility speaks of mystery.
Perhaps it is so powerful because it hints that there is something greater to which the priest is also drawn. He is seeking as I am, and doesn't have all the answers. Which means, I suppose, that he and I can look together for what is to be found. On further reflection, that must be why it is so much better to have the priest and the people face the same direction during Mass. That orientation joins all of us together and places God as our sought after mysterious and transcendent Other.
