As for the issue wherein men and woman choose to dedicate their lives to God as priests and nuns, why should anyone else tell them their choice is wrong, especially in this day and age when everything else is allowed and/or overlooked. There is good and bad in every profession, so please realize that the bad priests are just like bad teachers, lawyers, cops, doctors, etc. and not judge a whole profession by the people who disgrace it.
I like to believe it makes Jesus proud to see us honor His Heavenly Father and Blessed Mother. Some Catholics believe one of the reasons we are looked down upon is because we honor Jesus’ mother Mary as we do. This is another issue that makes no sense to me, because, how many people would not want their mothers to be respected and honored and what would they do to someone who doesn’t respect her.
I wish I could speak for all Catholics, but can only speak for myself. I would like to say Father, I believe most Catholics thank you for the gift of Mary the mother of your son, for your son Jesus and especially the sacrifice all of you made for us. I am sure you suffered as much as Mary and Jesus did and still do, especially when people still dishonor all of you. I sometimes wonder what would have happened If only the crowd had been as merciful as you were with Abraham. I hope they did not disappoint you and change the history of the world. At the same time Father, so many people are still disappointing you. They continue to disbelieve in your son, or for that matter many don’t even believe in You. They desecrate Mary, the mother of your son, as well as desecrate your son and all that your family stands for, i.e. goodness, honesty, responsibility, caring about the poor, sick, elderly and unborn.
Sometimes I wonder if we thank you enough for your sacrifice. I hope we do not anger you by being cowards, who are afraid to profess our love, faith, trust and thankfulness in and for you, as your angels, saints and apostles do. We thank them for the examples they set, knowing they are always ready to intercede for and with us, whether on earth or in heaven, always eager to do your bidding. Father, I hope, someday the whole world will have as much love for our Blessed Mother as I believe you and Jesus do and will truly know, respect and love all of you with all their hearts and souls.
