Married Man and Father of Three is Ordained a Chaldean Catholic Priest

Father Amar Agag at his ordination to the Chaldean Catholic Church in France.

Father Amar Agag, a 38-year-old husband and father of three, was ordained as a priest in the Chaldean Catholic Church in France this past September. While this tradition is common in the Church’s countries of origin in the Middle East, the ordination of married men among Eastern Catholic communities in the diaspora was authorized by Rome only in 2014.

“Before we begin Amar’s ordination, I must ask for his wife’s consent,” declared Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church. In this rite, the wife’s consent highlights her role in her husband’s commitment.

“In a way, the ordination involves her too. The calling is for her and the entire family,” Father Amar explained. His wife was deeply involved in the discernment process. After he felt called to the priesthood, the couple attended spiritual retreats in various church settings for a year. “My wife and I answered, ‘yes’ together,” he said.

Looking ahead, Father Amar knows he will face the challenge of balancing parish and family life. After working during the week as a driver, he will dedicate Friday evenings, some Saturdays, and Sundays to his parish duties with his family by his side. “We’ll be together, but I’ve explained to them that when I’m with the parishioners, I’m Father Amar. That means I’m the father of everyone,” he said, ensuring no special treatment for his family compared to his parishioners. “At the same time, it’s important for my family to be with me at church.”

As a married priest, Father Amar believes he brings a unique perspective to the church. “I can speak from experience during marriage preparation. I understand the challenges couples face, and I know the issues that come with raising children.”

– Aina.org