Overseas Clergy- A blessing or exploitation? (Main Forum)

by Gail , Saturday, May 26, 2012, 21:05 (359 days ago) @ Mary Ab

Discussions about overseas clergy invariably lead to stories about the history of Irish priests coming to our land.

I think it important to differentiate between Irish clergy coming to establish the Church in a sparsely populated infant country, and today's crop of clergy who come not to establish, but to prop up, an ailing system.

There really is no basis for believing they come here as missionaries. That is rationalisation. They're here because we have a shortage of the home-grown product. Bluntly put, they are imported to ensure a steady supply of sacraments to the faithful. It's quite a travesty, actually.

I heard recently that there is a marvellous article written by Martin Teulan, National Director of Catholic Mission, on the subject. I can't locate it and need to try and track it through my source. We need to hear from people like Martin who has had years of experience in cross-cultural mission and evangelisation. I'm sure there are many issues to be unearthed and reflected on as we ponder your very apt question, Mary Ab - blessing or exploitation?

'"Then one little boy said, ''but the emperor is wearing no clothes''...". H C Anderson'