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WOMEN CHURCH WORLD

A careful listener who treats everyone with respect

28 September 2024

Clericalism surfaced as one of the key issues adversely affecting the life of the church in the synthesis reports of dioceses and Episcopal conferences.

A priest represents Jesus at the liturgical assembly and at each moment of his life. He is ordained to be another Christ. For this reason, he needs to spend quality time with God daily and needs to have a spiritual accompanier to seek guidance for his life.

The priest of my dreams is an attentive listener. Like a good shepherd he will know each family in his parish and reach out to the lost, the broken and the struggling ones. He takes keen interest in the spiritual advancement of those entrusted to his care. He is creative in reaching out to various age groups with their specific needs for spiritual growth. He treats everyone with respect.

I am happy to have come across a number of priests who live a life of dedication and service, who are compassionate, respectful and sensitive and are willing to sacrifice their life for others.

by Shalini Mulackal
PBVM (Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary