The following is by Pia de Solenni, SThD, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange and Theological Advisor to the Bishop.
Back in October, when Harvey Weinstein’s exploits [crimes] became public, those of us who have been supportive of the Catholic Church’s teachings on human sexuality were quick to think of the prophetic nature of Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae when he foretold the dire effects that contraception would have on the way that men treat women.
As other prominent figures were exposed for their despicable manipulation of sex with women and men, we continued to be confirmed in our thinking.
However, the June revelations of the credible allegations of sex abuse on the part of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick confirm what many have suspected for a long time. The Church has been uncomfortably silent on matters of sexuality, family, and marriage because some in her leadership do not live these teachings themselves. And it is very hard to teach something that one does not know and live.
Obviously, celibate priests are not called to marriage or a life where contraception would even be a question. But their celibacy makes no sense unless one appreciates marriage. Marriage between a woman and a man points to the perfect union between Christ and his bride, the Church. Setting aside the exceptions for married priests, the theology of the Latin Church understands that the priest, called to be in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), enters into a supernatural type of nuptial vocation. Put simply, if he’s not continent- refraining from sexual activity- he’s cheating, just like any married person who acts unchastely and engages in sexual activity outside that person’s own marriage.
In my experience, the priests and bishops who are comfortable talking about, defending, and promoting the Church’s teachings on sex and marriage are confident in their vocations. They understand that their vocation and the vocation of the married support each other and point to the reality that we are all called to an eternal relationship with God.
I’m also confident that the celibacy of their relationship is hard work, just as marriage is hard work for the two spouses. I’m confident that they struggle, as married couples do. And I’m confident that they are willing to sacrifice, as married couples do, so that, in the words of St. Paul, they may “run so as to win.” All of the challenges here are worthwhile because overcoming them brings us closer to our ultimate desire, which is union with God.
Apart from serious eschatological considerations, celibacy (not to mention, virginity and chastity) makes little sense. Which explains why those who have lost sight of the greatest prize find it extremely challenging, if not impossible, to live the vocation.
When we lose sight of the reality of God, then we become all too comfortable with using others as objects, even children and others we have been given to protect and love. And none of this can be accomplished without chastity. It’s not about subduing love; it’s about allowing love to burn passionately and strongly. Anything that exists outside of chastity is a mockery of authentic love.
Just a few days before the most recent round of headlines which helped to refocus attention on Cardinal McCarrick’s reported abuses, I was visiting with the editor of a national publication. We were both saddened, even distraught, that it seemed like the story was going nowhere. One credible allegation of abuse of a minor, two settlements with adults, and…nothing.
Timing is everything. The groundswell came a few days before July 25, the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae. I’ve no doubt that it will continue to unfold throughout this year.
The timing of these revelations alongside the commemoration of one of the most polemical papal writings in the history of the Church – which happens to be about love and sex – is more than a coincidence for me. God, in his gift of free will, has allowed us to be utterly stupid about the teachings of his Church. And now we have arrived at a place where those teachings must be lived and taught by the leadership of the Church in order for the Church to heal. Humanae Vitae is the lynchpin in the abuse crisis.
In the end, I believe that there are no coincidences, only God’s providence. It is our choice how we respond.
Full story at Orange County Catholic.
Wow…this lady is a heavy hitter. And no doubt has no interest whatever in advancing the cause of the ordination of women, as an aside…go figure…as to her insight on priests that are comfortable with HV, TOB and their own vocation…spot on…when someone says a celibate, chaste priest has no credibility when he counsels against artificial contraception in favor of natural means, he clearly underestimate the man sitting before him.
Pia the Chancellor; what is she saying, or trying to say? First, she is largely disqualified from saying much of anything when the source of her employment — the Diocese of Orange — is considered. This bastion of The Crystal Cathedral has been lead by bishops that seem very much cut in the ecumenical first mold of Vatican II. And what does Pia say: First, she looks to the “leadership of the Church” to define what we need to do. This advice could not be more incorrect. Of course, Pia’s direction has the benefit of making everything an easy lift for her boss, B. Vann. Second, the “answer” on how to respond to the utter and complete disgrace of the Church does not lie in “Humanae Vitae” but in Catholic Tradition. Pia promises…
Solenni is an alumna of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Angelicum where she earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology.[2] Subsequently, she earned a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome; for this work, she received the 2001 Award of the Pontifical Academies, presented by John Paul II.
Indeed…largely disqualified…(rolls eyes…)
Emminently qualified to speak on matters within her field of expertise.
Here is another emminently qualified member of the laity who has the education, experience, background and expertise to make a valid and convincing case for sacred tradition and the immutable moral teachings of our faith:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/we-must-eradicate-churchs-gay-networks-to-fight-sex-abuse-moral-theologian
Hete is an added first-hand perspective from someone who was subjected to the problem as an adult while studying for the priesthood and later:
https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/war-on-the-priesthood-the-loophole
Amen! As Dr. Solenni noted, it is very hard to teach something that one does not know and live. Let us pray that the influence of the homosexual lobby within the Church will finally be broken. We’re in denial if we think that homosexuality is not a significant part of this tragic problem. Lord, deliver us and heal us! Lord, have mercy!
I read this article about a sermon made recently, several times. With all the calls for recrimination, withholding of donations, investigations, etc., this places us and our hearts to where they should be centered. It would be nice to share this in light of Deacon Craig’s statement:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/catholic-priest-reminds-his-flock-amid-the-abuse-scandal-stay-focused
Excellent article, glad Cal-Catholic Daily posted it.
It will almost certainly be up to the laity to seriously address the current situation. Thankfully, we have people like Pia de Solenni to provide clarity and context. Well done, Doctor!
The McCarrick scandal is far more than the life long lechery of a single Prince of the Church. It extends to the Church’s full and historical institutionalization of Homosexuality and Pederasty. This “cover up” protection included a multitude of seminarians, priests and church leaders. It further diminishes the Church’s moral authority when speaking, preaching, and teaching on all sexual matters…including Humanae vitae. It raises the spectre that the policies developed in the past 30 years to protect children and adults from sexual abuse have not nearly brought the issue to an open and full reconciliation. Those of us who have been damaged need to pray for future generations of our Catholic Faith.
It’s a sad state of the church when a new female chancellor has to say what cardinals, bishops and priests should have been saying for years
It makes no difference whether it is comming from a female. Truth is immutable.
Would the message be different if St. Teresa of Avila or St Faustina men? Of course not.
Well said, anonymous (6:45 am 8/8) . And we must ask why it takes a new female chancellor to speak the truth when the bishops, archbishops, cardinals have had more than ample opportunity, but have remained silent. May her tribe increase!
There is point in waiting for the “good bishops” to set up another self-serving committee. Practical steps need to be taken to weed-out bishops who are personally compromised or subject to blackmail because of what they have done, what they have seen, and what they have failed to report. It would only take one good bishop (assuming one even exists) to begin to restore the Church’s credibility by issuing the following statement:
“I swear on pain of the loss of my immortal soul that during my tenure as a seminarian, priest and a bishop I have not engaged in sexual activity with another male even once; that I have never observed and failed to report any such activity by another seminarian, priest, or bishop; and that I am unaware of any…
She missed the connection between sexual abuse and the use of porn.
She also missed that continence is a gift from God that must be asked for.