Priesthood – Locus Communis

What A Glorious Life

To live in the midst of the world without wishing its pleasures; to be a member of each family, yet belonging to none; to share all sufferings; to penetrate all secrets; to heal all wounds; to go from men to God and offer Him their prayers; to return from God to men to bring pardonContinue reading “What A Glorious Life”

The Country Clergy

I see them working in old rectoriesBy the sun’s light, by candlelight,Venerable men, their black clothA little dusty, a little greenWith holy mildew. And yet their skulls,Ripening over so many prayers,Toppled into the same graveWith oafs and yokels. They left no books,Memorial to their lonely thoughtIn grey parishes; rather they wroteOn men’s hearts and inContinue reading “The Country Clergy”

I Was Vicar of Large Things

I was vicar of large thingsin a small parish. Small-mindedI will not say, there were depthsin some of them I shrank backfrom, wells that the word “God”fell into and died away,and for all I know is stillfalling. Who goes for waterto such must prepare for a longwait. Their eyes looked at meand were the remainsContinue reading “I Was Vicar of Large Things”