Celibacy talk.

The reflections on celibacy by Msgr. Harry Byrne ("One Man's Vocation," July 16) are among the most genuine that I have ever heard or read. I think many priests of different ages and years of ministry can identify with what he says and be encouraged by his candor.

There are many aspects of the lives of heterosexual and homosexual priests beyond sexual abstinence that should become part of discussions about celibacy. Celibacy might be lived with angelic purity and still be little more than sexual abstinence. Celibacy lived without adult maturity can result in the lifestyle of a type of puer aeternus, the priest who remains imprisoned in eternal youth. When that happens, a priest often remains in a child-parent relationship with others, including persons with ecclesiastical authority and mother church. This makes many afraid or incapable of taking risks or espousing causes and views that are unpopular with authorities in the church or society. The clerical world of ambition with its honors and titles can also become the goal and satisfaction for celibates who all the while abstain from sexual encounters.

The nature and purpose of celibacy must be looked at much more widely. Harry Byrne has made an important initial contribution, but I suggest that more contributions are needed from priests who are attempting to live the charism and not just the law.

(REV.) ALDO J. TOS 

New York, N.Y.