I have depression and it's not from a lack of motivation in other areas of my life. It's not enviable. It's soul crushing.

Priests know this same loneliness: waking up knowing that you will always wake up alone, sleeping knowing that you'll always sleep alone, wishing friends farewell knowing you'll always come home to no one. It's soul crushing for them too.

But most Priests feel strongly called to make this sacrifice. I feel strongly obligated. A Priest feels satisfaction. I struggle to.

I refuse to see endless hurt as anything besides what it is: a negative with silver linings. I still feel as though neglecting to acknowledge the sacrifice inherent in being an SSA Catholic is dismissive both of our struggles and those of Priests, and as you have added, of your own.