Dec 27, 2022 – BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY

A good priest:

Is a priest who struggles to pray every day.

Is a priest who is keenly aware of his weaknesses and strengths.

Is a priest who fights against the many spirits of selfishness and narcissism in himself.

Is a priest who, in spirit at least, is available to those who need his ministry and presence 24 / 7 / 365.

Is a priest who is warm, friendly, personable, and a good listener.

Is a priest whose life gives a good example to others.

Is a priest who is not living a double life in any way.

Is a priest who who most often says YES and with a smile and says NO as little as possible.

Is a priest not possessed by “the love of money”.

Is a priest who associates with ALL his parishioners, not just the well-off and the “yes” men and women.

Is a priest who is not part of the exclusive and self-regarding attitude of the clerical club.

Is a priest who is not a control and power freak.

Is a priest who possesses an authentic compassion for all.

Would readers have any other suggestions as to the qualities a good priest should have?

“Always try and say “yes, ” and when you have to say “no, ” make it sound as much like “yes” as possible.”

HELDER CAMARA was a Brazilian archbishop and author.

His message about saying YES is very powerful and would make a good motto for any Christian or good person.

We could all do with making it our NEW YEAR resolution for 2023.

Here, where I live in Northern Ireland, certain people have loved saying NO for over 100 years.

ULSTER SAYS NO!

That prompted some graffiti in a toilet in Queen’s University in Belfast:

“Ulster says NO

But the Man from Del Monte says YES.

And he should know as he is the best orange man in the world.

BEING A YES MAN IN THE GOOD SENSE

Jesus was a YES MAN. He said yes to God his Father.

Mary was a YES WOMAN. She said yes to Gabriel.

Maybe we should all try and be YES men and women?

Saying YES to God if we believe in Him.

Saying YES to others if we care about them.