The Church announced a new procedure for the immediate investigation of sexual abuse allegations, basing it on education and prevention (November 29).

Prevention comprehends a spectrum of measures of which I would like to cover two to help priests avoid sexual abuse.

The sacrament of Holy Orders imprints an indelible character on the soul of the priest but does not change his habits. So questions do arise whether a priest should remain carrying out his sacerdotal duties if he watches pornographic films, commits sins against chastity every day, is passionately attracted to some particular girls or boys and is even tempted to assault them sexually and, briefly, finds it ‘impossible’ to observe the Sixth Commandment.

At this stage, such a priest would have two choices. First, that of deciding, by God’s grace, to convert as St Augustine and other saints did. It is possible.

Here I cannot fail to point out that God can give even the special grace of an overnight total conversion.

Second, that of dropping out of the priesthood.

He knows it takes time and courage to face Church authorities and relatives. But, in the long run, it would be to his advantage. Sexual abuse will shower upon him unimaginable trouble.

The worst step is that of continuing to live in impurity, saying Mass, receiving the sacraments sacrilegiously while wearing a holy mask in his daily pastoral work. Sooner or later this type of life will burst out into sexual abuse.

While conversion is the ideal choice, dropping out should be resorted to by all priests who sincerely feel its need.