Por que os padres jovens entram em crise?

Summary

In this video, Father Paulo addresses the rising crisis faced by young priests, particularly in the first years of their priesthood. He attributes this crisis to a broader societal issue where modern culture creates unrealistic expectations of earthly paradise and personal fulfillment, leading priests to question their vocation. He explains that the core issue is not a crisis of vocation but a crisis of faith, with young priests losing sight of their spiritual purpose and instead seeking fulfillment in worldly achievements. Father Paulo emphasizes the importance of returning to a faith-driven life, embracing sacrifice, and focusing on the eternal rewards of the priesthood.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Catholic priesthood faces a crisis among young priests, with many struggling with their identity and leaving the ministry early, especially in the first five years of their priesthood.
• 😀 In the past, priests experienced identity crises later in their careers, often around 10 or 15 years of service, but now many young priests face this challenge much earlier.
• 😀 The global nature of this crisis, affecting priests not only in Brazil but across Europe, the United States, and beyond, suggests that it is not merely a result of formation, but a deeper, generational issue.
• 😀 A key problem is the loss of a transcendent faith among the modern generation of priests. They are influenced by worldly ideologies and the illusion of a perfect life on earth.
• 😀 Technological advances and consumerism have created a false sense of hope that a 'paradise' can be achieved in this life, which undermines the traditional Christian understanding of life as a journey toward eternal life in heaven.
• 😀 The temptation for young priests is to seek fulfillment in worldly achievements—such as fame, social work, or idealized liturgical practices—rather than focusing on their spiritual mission of salvation and guiding others to communion with God.
• 😀 The modern world’s emphasis on personal fulfillment and comfort makes it harder for young priests to accept the sacrificial nature of their vocation, as many expect to experience a form of paradise here on earth.
• 😀 Faith in the resurrection and in embracing the cross is essential for Christian life. The ideal of living for eternal life in heaven was central to the vocations of past priests, such as the missionaries and martyrs who endured suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
• 😀 The crisis many young priests face today is often not a vocational crisis, but a crisis of faith—losing sight of their higher calling and becoming distracted by earthly comforts and desires.
• 😀 The solution to this crisis lies in a deeper commitment to faith and an understanding that the priesthood is about self-sacrifice, not achieving personal dreams or recognition. Priests must return to their core mission of offering their lives as a sacrifice, as Christ did on the cross.

Q & A

Why are young priests facing a crisis early in their priesthood?

Young priests are facing an early crisis because they often encounter a loss of faith and a disconnect between their idealized view of the priesthood and the challenges of parish life. The expectation of finding paradise on Earth conflicts with the reality of sacrifice and service in the priesthood.

What is meant by the 'imantization' of Christian life?

The term 'imantization' refers to the shift in Christian thought where people begin to expect a 'paradise' on Earth due to technological advancements and consumer society, rather than viewing this life as a temporary stage before the heavenly reward.

How has modern society influenced the faith of young priests?

Modern society has created an illusion that earthly fulfillment can replace the hope of eternal life, leading young priests to pursue worldly accomplishments like fame or social activism, rather than focusing on their ultimate spiritual mission.

What was the traditional view of suffering and death in Christianity?

Historically, Christians accepted suffering, death, and the cross as inherent parts of life, viewing them as a means to reach the reward of eternal life. This resignation to suffering was more common before the modern era.

What is the central problem causing young priests to leave their vocation?

The central problem is not necessarily a crisis of vocation but a crisis of faith. Many young priests are drawn to the idea of earthly success and comforts, leading them to question their calling when their expectations for fulfillment in this world are not met.

What does the priesthood require beyond the initial formation at the seminary?

Beyond the seminary, the priesthood requires ongoing faith and commitment to spiritual sacrifice. While good formation is important, young priests must also confront the temptations of worldly success and remain focused on their ultimate spiritual mission.

How does the priesthood differ from secular roles in society?

The priesthood is fundamentally a life of sacrifice and service, not for personal gain or recognition. Unlike secular careers, it requires giving up personal comforts and embracing a path of spiritual dedication, with a focus on eternal rewards rather than earthly success.

Why is the illusion of 'paradise on Earth' harmful to young priests?

The illusion of achieving 'paradise on Earth' leads young priests to prioritize worldly achievements and comforts, which detracts from their true vocation. When they find that these desires don't fulfill them, they may question their calling or even leave the priesthood.

What role does the demonic temptation play in the crisis of young priests?

The demonic temptation entices young priests to focus on worldly success and comforts rather than their spiritual calling. This leads to a gradual erosion of their faith and purpose, as they start to view the priesthood as a means to fulfill earthly desires rather than serving God's will.

How does the story of missionaries like Anchieta relate to the modern priesthood?

Missionaries like Anchieta exemplified a strong commitment to sacrifice and faith. They faced tremendous hardships for the sake of spreading the Gospel, showing that the priesthood historically required a focus on eternal life, not earthly rewards, which contrasts with the modern temptation for immediate gratification.