A theory on priests with same sex attraction. (Just a theory!).
"[Homosexual] individuals in the priesthood have a significant affective immaturity with excessive anger and jealousy toward males who are not homosexual, insecurity that leads them to avoid close friendships with such males and an inordinate need for attention.
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Most of these men had painful adolescent experiences of significant loneliness and sadness, felt insecure in their masculinity, and had a poor body image. Well-designed research studies have demonstrated a much higher prevalence of psychiatric illness in those who identify themselves as homosexual.
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Frequently, they may have difficulty working in a collegial and comfortable way with heterosexual males.
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In our clinical experience those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies lack an understanding of the origins of their conflicts and of the possibility of healing." - Source
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Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord. - Isaiah 1: 16-20
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In any case, one might take from this a renewed understanding of how important the cell of self knowledge is to the spiritual life - at every stage, and how the soul should continually return to it, trusting in the healing mercy of God. This, it seems to me, is not just good advice for priests and seminarians, but for anyone who is serious about ongoing conversion in the spiritual life.
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Humility.
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Scripture tells us "God plucks up the roots of the proud, to plant the humble in their place". On some level, one may apply that passage to oneself, understanding that God also assists us in rooting out vice in our life; first, by breaking down our "stem to the ground" - in other words, destroying our false self, our pride; and then he "digs the roots from the earth" - the root sin, the predominant fault, as well as the origin of the conflicts that led the soul to seek consolation and compensation through our particular (disorder) attachment to sin. (Meditation from Sirach 13-16)
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Many writers claim there is no need to search for the origins or reasons why one is addicted to whatever disorder one happens to be afflicted with. I disagree with that since I believe such knowledge is necessary to humility and healing. I have a friend who is preparing to enter a seminary. He tells me he no longer identifies himself as homosexual or gay. In the interview I cite concerning ordination, the Dr. points out; "Those with mild homosexual tendencies do not identify themselves as homosexuals. Such men are motivated to understand and to overcome their emotional conflicts. They regularly seek psychotherapy and spiritual direction."
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Different strokes.
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I realize not all people are motivated in the same way, and not all people may have that degree of faith, if you will; indeed, many reject these theories outright. To be sure, it is not my call as to who is right or who is wrong for seminary or religious life. That is up to bishops, rectors of seminaries, vocation directors, spiritual directors, and confessors to discern. I just happen to believe self-knowledge is a good thing to have.
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"Tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has appointed." - Romans 12: 3
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Please take note: This post is not written about any one person, nor with anyone in mind - I was simply reflecting upon an article I found on Cathlete - otherwise known as the Catholic Drudge - which corresponded to something my friend who is entering seminary told me.
