A March 10 article in the INQUIRER suggested that five active priests in the Bacolod diocese are also fathers (“‘Team Tatay’ lists 5 Negros priests as fathers; Ay, ‘patay’!”). This was confirmed by Bishop
Vicente Navarra of Bacolod with this statement: “Some priests who have had indiscretions in the past have realized what they did, shown that they are repentant, reformed, and have made amends.”
It is difficult to accept Bishop Navarra’s justification for their continued involvement as active priests. These priests took a vow of celibacy voluntarily when they were ordained. Bishop Navarra can accept the admission that the priests violated the vow of celibacy and administer penance for the act. However, the sexual indiscretions in these cases resulted in the birth of children. This raises a more profound issue: the responsibilities of fatherhood.
The child born as a result of the sexual act has the right to a father and a mother. Bishop Navarra has no authority, by virtue of his office, to release the priest from his title as a father. It is a biological relationship that will continue through life. The biological relationship involves more than financial support. The child is entitled to the love, support, protection and acceptance expected of the relationship. The child is required by the Fourth Commandment to honor father and mother. How can a child honor a father who fails to fulfill his obligations as a father?
Since priests are forbidden by the Catholic Church from holding both the title “priest” and the title “father” at the same time, one title must be sacrificed. Since the title “father” cannot be dissolved by Bishop Navarra, there is no choice. The father must divest himself of his title as an active priest. What Bishop Navarra describes as “indiscretions” have made the holding of both titles impossible under existing Church rules.
The “indiscreet” priest has a conscience and, therefore, is aware of this. He cannot hide behind the bishop’s robes. The life he and his partner created is a gift of God and imposes responsibilities which the priest can’t run away from, and which Bishop Navarra is aware of. The title “tatay” exists for a lifetime.
—JOHN BALLWEG,
Catholic layman and proud father,
jballweg@vt.edu