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ARCHDIOCESE OF CÓRDOBAAv. Irigoyen 98 - TEL 4221015 5000 Córdoba - Argentina
Letter from the Archbishop to the community of the Archdiocese
Córdoba, July 11, 2004
Dear brothers and sisters:
It is the responsibility of the bishop to take permanent care of everything related to the proclamation of the gospel in the portion of the Church that has been confided to his pastoral leadership. For this reason, he must work to create the conditions suitable for the task of evangelization, as well as trying, with prudence and charity, to clarify and correct whatever may hamper this or make it less effective.
Bearing in mind what I have just mentioned, I would like to remind you that a few days ago our archdiocesan community was surprised by a succession of personal declarations, on radio and television, by Father José Guillermo Mariani, on the occasion of the publication of his book "Sin Tapujos: la vida de un cura" in which he tells of his life, his ministry, his experiences. Among these, some which refer to his emotional relationships and intimacy with persons of both sexes.
Faced with this event, the sensation that has prevailed in me as a bishop and that I have been able to confirm also in the testimony of priests, religious and lay people who have expressed this to me, is that of deep pain for the consternation and confusion that these declarations have aroused. It is not a matter of wanting to dissimulate or to hide anything, it is simply that there are certain topics, certain experiences that it is best to consider with authenticity but at the same time with delicacy, out of respect for persons, their intimacy and their convictions. I would like, in relation to this, to put forward some reflections without wanting to enter into polemics.
Firstly, I would like to stress that the Church, beloved of the Lord Jesus, is a reality that must be considered always from the view of faith; if we do not do so from this perspective, we will certainly be left with a partial and even deformed view. This Church has the promise of the irrevocable gift of the Holy Spirit who assists her permanently so that she keeps fidelity to her Lord. Nonetheless, we who have been brought within her bring into her bosom our fragility, our shadows, and for that reason she is always in need of purification. Our sincere and humble purpose of conversion to the Lord and to his Word, rather than bitter criticism, will certainly contribute to making her more and more transparent.
We should also remember that the priestly ministry is a gift which God the Father concedes to those whom he calls to follow his Son. The priest's mission is to be the living prolongation of the Lord Jesus and of his saving ministry among men. For this he receives an abundant communication of the Holy Spirit that constantly drives and animates him. Every priest must cultivate this gift, permanently renewing the freedom and generosity with which he embraced it.
The celibacy that priests assume entirely freely is also a gift that comes from God and which enables them to live with particular intensity their pastoral charity for the benefit of God's people. An attitude of faith is necessary to recognise this and a disposition of docility to divine grace is essential in order to live it with complete fidelity. Human sciences, when they deal with this subject in a really open way, recognize that celibacy is a real possibility that can be lived fully by those who feel called to it. It is true that at different moments of the life of the Church, questions have arisen about this discipline, but the manner of raising and dealing with any objections should be completely different from that which has been lately chosen among us.
The Seminary takes on the task of priestly formation fully aware of the demands and the difficulties of present times. The seminary of these days is not the same as that of sixty years ago; moreover – it is fair to point out – not all the students of that seminary experienced it as a suffocating reality. In any case, experience has pointed out where it was necessary to adapt, and work has been and is being done in this way to propose the ideal of the priestly life and to emphasize and promote the total freedom with which this ideal and its demands should be embraced. It is undeniable that, despite all precautions, painful situations sometimes arise. The Church, as merciful mother, has always taken these situations into consideration in order to provide a suitable remedy.
After these simple thoughts, I would like to take this opportunity to express once more my recognition and my gratitude to the priests of our archdiocese for their efforts to live their response to God's gifts with generosity and faithfulness. I warmly invite the religious and lay people to accompany them and to encourage them in this effort.
In our archdiocese we are taking a path that aims to be marked by the respectful and cordial participation of everyone. In this spirit we will continue working to reach a close communion with our sister churches in Argentina and with the way that the Holy Father the Pope is pointing out for all the Church. I invite you participate with all your hearts in this purpose to carry forward the challenging and hope-filled task of proclaiming the gospel in Córdoba.
I recommend our archdiocese and all its members to the Most Holy Virgin, Our Lady of the Miraculous Rosary, and we ask her to help us to maintain our evangelizing work with generosity.
May the Lord bless you with his peace and joy.
+ Carlos José Ñáñez Archbishop of Córdoba
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