When the rubber hits the road

Today is the feast of Saint Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit, born in Verdu (Catalonia) who lived his life as a Jesuit priest in the missions in South America and died in Cartagena, Columbia (1654) at the age of 74 years.

Throughout his life, Saint Peter knew more than his fair share of trials and tribulations, so perhaps Providence was with us again today as our day began with a Mass presided over by our Nigerian guest who rightly observed that we in the First World do not enjoy an easy time of it when it comes to being priests, since the world around us pays us little or no attention. In that sense, we are to be numbered among the leprous, the castaways, the abandoned. This is a strange image perhaps, but it is one that is not so far from the truth.

It is only when we priests are able to idenify ourselves in these terms that we will be able to identify correctly with those in our society who most need us, for only then will we truly begin to grasp the true meaning of the persons we are, and the promise of salvation we are called to embody for people in our world today. This is a very difficult truth for some to admit, and yet it is a necessary truth which must find its rightful place if we are truly to grow in compassion, especially to those who most need us.

This morning's presentations were particulary poignant:

• first, a short meeting with members of a previously unknown group of lay people who belong to a group called Opus Bono Sacerdotii. Relatively unknown to most of us, these committed Catholic lay people devote their time and talents to helping priests who have been suspended from office, either because they have been accused of impropriety or because they are awaiting some encounter with the legal system and must do so without continuing to exercise their ministry in an active way.

It was evident from the moment they began to speak that these men are deeply spiritual, that they take this commitment to service of priests who are experiencing difficulty very seriously, and that they are willing to use their talents to help those who are most in need. As they shared their story, eyes were wrapt on the presenters, and as their limited time with us came to a close, we responded with a standing ovation as a show of support on our part for the good work these people of faith are accomplishing, one day, one case, one moment at a time.

• second, an encounter with His Grace, Thomas Collins, currently serving as Archbishop of Toronto. In an easy manner which reminded many of us of another time when this man was a priest, teaching in a seminary, and inspiring us to delve deeper into the mystery of our call and vocation, His Grace shared reflections about significant moments in the life of priests, especially as we celebrate them at moments of funerals and ordinations.

This man, who so obviously has a deep love for priesthood, and who understands the difficulties our brothers face, as well as the joys we celebrate (because he too has been there, and continues to be there as a companion on the journey), is an inspiration for the rest of us who seek to do our little part to help our brothers to recognize the blessing we are to others, and to be blessings to one another in times of celebration as well as in times of sorrow and pain.

The latter of these two is not always an easy place to be in. It certainly is not the place of rest, but it is often the place where the rubber hits the road, where our brothers most need to know that they have not been abandoned, and that there is SOMEONE who will listen compassionately. This is a necessary part of the work we must be about if we are truly concerned with the welfare of priests in our country, and in other parts of the world.