Leave of Absence

Leave of Absence is not a notion that is found in the Code. However it is not infrequently encountered either in a formal or informal manner in our times.

Informally the cleric may simply have indicated that he is not available for duty and no longer wishes to bear the outward appearance of a priest. His bishop may simply acquiesce in such a situation feeling that no other actiion is likely to bear fruit: the priest is not indicating his intention to abandon the clerical and priestly state.It is an unsatisfactory state of affairs and prevents the bishop from exercising that fraternal and pastoral care recently emphasised in Pastores Gregis.

The basis for a formal approach to "leave of absence" is found in the relationship that exists between the priest and his bishop. At ordination the priest promises obedience to his prelate. In his turn the responsible bishop accepts the ordained priest as his cooperator and brother in the service of Christ's people. The priest does not obtain a right to an office from the bishop by his ordination. The bishop however has the right to expect loving cooperation from his priest in serving the people in the work of the Gospel. If for some objective reason this is no longer practicable for a priest then I believe that the bishop ( either personally or through his delegate) with the priest should work through CIC 273- 289 to sort out those matters that would require licence or dispensation from the bishop for the priest to live a secular life, observing of course the substantial obligations of the clerical state. I have not come across such an agreement but it may be that some diocese or other has this in its experience. I suggest that this is the best way for a bishop to express his continuing concern for his priest even if the priest is not available at the time for active priestly ministry.

+ Most Reverend John Jukes OFM Conv.,