05-27-2026, 09:20 AM
Mgr. Louis de Ségur: Short Answers to Common Objections Against Religion - 1908
THIRTY-NINTH OBJECTION. PRIESTS ARE ALWAYS ASKING FOR MONEY.
Answer. Yes, but is it for themselves? They ask for it only for the support of the poor, and the expenses attending the celebration of divine worship. Do you blame them for this? Are they not the providers of the poor, and the fathers of the indigent? Are they not the ministers of God, charged with the honor of His worship, and the care of His temples?
They have often to ask, it is true; but is not this partly your own fault? Why are you, who are so lavish in your pleasures, so parsimonious in giving for the good of others? Why do you give so little when they ask you for your contribution? Is it not your ill-timed economy which obliges them, in spite of themselves, to return to the charge?
Moreover, think you that it is possible to meet great expenses without great resources? Only put yourself in the place of your parish priest, having the care of all the poor of the place, obliged to keep up and found benevolent societies, obliged to keep the Church and all that belongs to it in good condition and repair, a more expensive item than you imagine. Is not money necessary for all this?
Do not be surprised, then, if you are asked for it. Such an outlay, be assured, will cause you no remorse. Neither will it ruin you. Almsgiving never yet ruined any one. If you have much, give much; if you have little, give a little; but the little you give, give cheerfully.
Priests are men of faith and charity. Let us have more faith and more charity, and we shall understand why they are always "begging."
THIRTY-NINTH OBJECTION. PRIESTS ARE ALWAYS ASKING FOR MONEY.
Answer. Yes, but is it for themselves? They ask for it only for the support of the poor, and the expenses attending the celebration of divine worship. Do you blame them for this? Are they not the providers of the poor, and the fathers of the indigent? Are they not the ministers of God, charged with the honor of His worship, and the care of His temples?
They have often to ask, it is true; but is not this partly your own fault? Why are you, who are so lavish in your pleasures, so parsimonious in giving for the good of others? Why do you give so little when they ask you for your contribution? Is it not your ill-timed economy which obliges them, in spite of themselves, to return to the charge?
Moreover, think you that it is possible to meet great expenses without great resources? Only put yourself in the place of your parish priest, having the care of all the poor of the place, obliged to keep up and found benevolent societies, obliged to keep the Church and all that belongs to it in good condition and repair, a more expensive item than you imagine. Is not money necessary for all this?
Do not be surprised, then, if you are asked for it. Such an outlay, be assured, will cause you no remorse. Neither will it ruin you. Almsgiving never yet ruined any one. If you have much, give much; if you have little, give a little; but the little you give, give cheerfully.
Priests are men of faith and charity. Let us have more faith and more charity, and we shall understand why they are always "begging."
"So let us be confident, let us not be unprepared, let us not be outflanked, let us be wise, vigilant, fighting against those who are trying to tear the faith out of our souls and morality out of our hearts, so that we may remain Catholics, remain united to the Blessed Virgin Mary, remain united to the Roman Catholic Church, remain faithful children of the Church."- Abp. Lefebvre