Priestly Diary

Formerly a parish priest, Fr. Peter Daly writes about living the faith while trying to be open to the world around us.

The faces of monks illustrate deadly sins in this detail from a circa 1300 sculpture. (Wikimedia Commons/Simon Burchell)

Confronting causes of clericalism: original sin, institutional dynamics

Sep 9, 2019

Priestly Diary: The first step to tackling the clericalism born of our fallen nature is talking about it. If we don't talk about it, we cannot treat the problem.

Tackle clericalism first when attempting priesthood reform

by Fr. Peter Daly

Aug 13, 2019

Priestly Diary: If the priesthood is to be reformed, we must tackle the disease of clericalism. It won't be easy. Clericalism is so deeply ingrained in our structures and way of thinking that we almost can't imagine how things could be otherwise.

Celibacy advances the priesthood's culture of compromised truths

by Fr. Peter Daly

Jul 22, 2019

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.

The priesthood is being crucified on the cross of celibacy

by Fr. Peter Daly

Jul 15, 2019

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.

Columns ›

Confronting causes of clericalism: original sin, institutional dynamics

Tackle clericalism first when attempting priesthood reform

Celibacy advances the priesthood's culture of compromised truths

The priesthood is being crucified on the cross of celibacy

Before I take on clericalism, I will say: I love being a priest

We want to see humility, action, but I'm not expecting anything like that from the bishops

Clerical cronyism and secrecy shielded McCarrick and others

Confrontation time: Cardinal McCarrick and me in 2002

With McCarrick scandal, #MeToo arrives for the church

CLINIC is lifeline for immigrants and refugees

As a Catholic Charities volunteer, I head into immigration law thicket

Mary Dwan was the best that our Catholic Church can produce

Any rational immigration policy would want Jose as a citizen

Retirement is 'the real world' for me

With regret and relief, fatigue and gratitude, I'm retiring

If God is giving away electricity, accept his blessings

US has a fear crisis, not an immigration crisis

Donald Trump's gospel is not the Gospel of Jesus

Walking the Camino de Santiago will change you

Requiem for Fr. Henry Rodriguez

Police, race and the parish

The Shinto lady and my father: The world is very small

Mercy should trump law, especially during Holy Year of Mercy

Blanket of snow

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