Despite recent attacks upon the Catholic priesthood from the highest levels of Irish society, Father John McCarthy maintains that being a priest in Ireland is a life of great joy and personal fulfillment.
“It’s still a great honor, a very humbling honor at that, to be a priest of Jesus Christ,” the priest told EWTN News on Aug. 4. “In fact, no earthly joy can even come close to that joy that you receive from being a priest of Jesus Christ.”
Fr. McCarthy is currently a priest at St. Colman’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Cloyne, County Cork.
Last month a judicial inquiry into lapses in child safety procedures in the Diocese of Cloyne led to calls by some Irish politicians for the imprisonment of priests who keep the seal of confession after hearing admissions of child abuse.
Meanwhile the Irish premier, Enda Kenny, told the national parliament that Ireland was no longer the country “where the swish of a soutane smothered conscience and humanity, and the swing of a thurible ruled the Irish-Catholic world.”
“Of course it’s impossible to be a priest and not take stock or notice of these scandals,” said Fr. McCarthy.
“Most people are still very supportive and hugely appreciative of your availability, that you were there are key moments in their families life, that you showed them a small act of kindness.”
Fr. McCarthy spoke with EWTN News on Aug. 4, the feast day of St. John Vianney. The 19th century French cleric was declared patron saint of all priests by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, the 150th anniversary of St. John Vianney’s death and the beginning of the Church’s “Year of the Priest.”
“St. John Vianney is the great model of the priesthood,” said Fr. McCarthy.
“He is the great example of priestly holiness, simplicity, zeal for souls and care for people. Someone who radiated the love of Christ and drew people to Christ particularly through his preaching and time spent in the confessional.”
“In fact, he’s a great reminder of the dignity of the priesthood and of getting back to priestly basics when it can be so easy to be sidetracked by activism or administration.”
Fr. McCarthy was ordained to the priesthood 18 years ago. A native of Cork city, he completed a science degree and a teaching diploma before discerning that he was being called to the priesthood. One of six children, his brother Eamonn is also a priest in the Diocese of Cloyne.
“I’d say to any young man considering the priesthood that it’s a wonderful gift and a great privilege if Christ is calling you. It’s also a great opportunity for personal fulfillment and personal holiness.”
“There are many graces flowing for the heart of Christ in this modern secularized world, particularly in personal devotion to Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.”
Read more: http://www.ewtnnews.com/catholic-news/World.php?id=3727#ixzz1UMpSC1tg
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