The Problem of the Pastor’s Dog
GUEST COLUMN
An owner treats his dog like family. Both live together in a bond of great intimacy and affection.
Priestly dog ownership raises a trifling but ticklish question: Should a pastor house his dog in the rectory? Moral theologian Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., replies with an equivocal “yes and no.”
Neither divine law nor the general law of the Church forbids a priest from owning a domesticated carnivorous canine. The propriety of using the rectory as a dog house is, however, an arguable point.
Bishops rarely lay down rules regarding a priest’s in-house pets. On this topic, Canon Law is silent. Holy Writ mentions the dog over 40 times, but mostly in terms of contempt and aversion — e.g., “As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly” (Prov. 26:11) and “Do not give dogs what is holy” (Mt. 7:16).
You May Also Enjoy
Reviews of Witness for the Truth: The Wanderer's 130 Year Adventure in Catholic Journalism... The Religious Sense... Snow White & Rose Red: A Modern Fairy Tale... Epiphany: A Theological Introduction to Catholicism
The convictions of many "ardent young intellectuals" who fled to Louvain or Douai would merge seamlessly into wider movements for reforms.
In a world tormented by uncertainty, fragmented by disunity, fearful of violence and calamities, what will help us to be carriers of God's love, peace, joy, and hope?