Columbus, Ohio In the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Columbus, Ohio, being on the altar is surprising for Joseph Rolwing.
He is 27 years old and Catholic deacons, to be appointed as a Catholic priest on Saturday.
Rolwing studied at Josephinum in Columbus. It is the only school outside Italy governed by the Vatican.
“I was a regular high school teacher, played sport, and I did everything,” said Rolwing. “I didn’t think I would do this. But the Lord had other plans.”
In high school, he began to doubt his faith. Then in college, he felt the invitation.
“Have you heard a voice? Have you seen a sign in the sky?” No, but I was … praying, this pink is mired in this wave of peace, “said Rolwing.
Rolwing invitation comes at a time when the Catholic Church in the United States faces a serious shortage of the priest. Between 1970 and 2024, the number of priests decreased by more than 40 %, from 59192 to 33,589, according to figures from the Georgetown Center for Applied Research in the Messenger, or Kara.
The influence was also feeling in Columbus, where 15 churches are to be closed.
“We have somewhat compensated for some gaps in the lack of priest by bringing missionary priests from other countries, but also priests of different religious orders,” said bishop Earl Fernandez, who leads the diocese of Columbus.
About one in four Catholic priests in the United States is born abroad, according to Cara. Many can soon be forced to leave unless special visas are extended for religious workers. Legislation of the new two parties It was presented to the Senate last month, known as the Religious Forces Protection Law, designed to protect religious workers born abroad to stay in the United States while waiting for permanent residency.
To recruit more priests in Columbus, there is a monthly retreat and dinner for those who think of the priesthood.
The number of newly seminars at Pontifical College of 17, two and a half years ago to 40 this year.
Hope, local Catholic leaders Election of Pope Liu XIVThe first American Pope ever, will be an inspiration.
Rolwing said: “I was never happier than me now, on the threshold of becoming a priest, after I cut all these promises: never marry, nor do I do these things at all, as this has no meaning in the eyes of the world,” Rolwing said. “But I answered this call, and after that, it’s the best decision I made ever.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article was incorrectly distinguished by delaying the visa process for religious workers.
