Fr. Peter Daly is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., and has been pastor of St. John Vianney parish in Prince Frederick, Md., since 1994. For almost 20 years, Daly wrote a column for Catholic News Service that went to diocesan publications. He has also written for The Washington Post, Catholic Digest, Reader's Digest, the ABA Journal, and other local publications. He has a 20-pound cat named Russell.
Authors ›
Fr. Peter Daly
Show full bio ↓
Celibacy advances the priesthood's culture of compromised truths
Priestly Diary: If a sizable amount of Catholic clergy aren't celibate, that contributes to a culture of mendacity (lying). Priests and bishops are not going to expose others because they may be guilty themselves.
Column
The priesthood is being crucified on the cross of celibacy
Priestly Diary: We cannot bring about real reform of the Roman Catholic priesthood unless we do away with mandatory celibacy, which harms the church and damages the lives of most priests.
Column
Before I take on clericalism, I will say: I love being a priest
Priestly Diary: The priesthood is beset with scandals and needs radical reform — and I plan to write about that. Still, gratitude should be the starting point for my reflection.
Column
We want to see humility, action, but I'm not expecting anything like that from the bishops
Parish Diary: Maybe that seems a bit pessimistic, but I think it is realistic to expect nothing from the meeting of bishops in Rome in February. I've been disappointed at their lack of courage and leadership before.