A True Priest Doesn't Hide Himself

The Soutane which is required as clerical attire in the Church law books, shows itself to be ever a career killer.

(kreuz.net)"I have decided for several years now to almost exclusively wear the Soutane."

Father Hendrick Jolie said this for the most recent interview of the Catholic monthly magazine 'Kirchliche Umschau'.

The Soutane is is in the eyes of the clergyman an acceptable and practical possibility, it makes the clergyman stand out in public:


"The Priest is not >>better<<. but most probably he's, >>other<<'  -- he explains.

The robe offers its wearer in the experience of Father Jole "A Certain protection -- in public as also in private areas."

The priest experiences from that point in the concreteness of his body the blessing of his spiritual attire:

"The Soutane reminds its wearer then, that he is consecrrated i a certain way by God and that this consecrated soul and body embrace."

Father Jolie eplains that there are certain clear requirements, that prescribe clerical clothing:

"The priest must be recognizeable, just like, if in the Soutane or with a collar."

Young Clerics Like to Wear the Soutane

Then the question arises:  "What is it then, when-- irrespective of this prescription -- in a German Diocese the secretary of the Office of Priests is in civilian clothing --- in this case with a poorly tailored suit and mismatched tie  -- comes to the podium next to where his bishop sits and he doesn't distort his image?"

In this case the observer will consider that the entrance of the civil priest is also as a legislator -- and follows his example -- it is:

"The Soutane is  on the other hand  -- bound in any case according to the ecclesiastical law book  as clerical attire -- shown itself in reality to always be a >>career killer<<."

In this consideration Father Jolie sees a familiar and bizarre phenomenon:  "Whoever tries to be obedient, must be prepared to be apologetic and sternly pressured to change."

Read the article in German, kreuz.net...