Bishop Johan Bonny prepares married men for 2028 ordination

Bishop Johan Bonny is preparing several married men for ordination in 2028 as he seeks authorization from Rome for the Diocese of Antwerp. The selected candidates are currently receiving theological and pastoral formation through a program similar to that used for seminarians.

Bonny stated to La Libre Belgique that the shortage of local clergy necessitates this move. He noted that Antwerp has fewer than 70 priests under the age of 70, and approximately two-thirds of those priests are from abroad. This shortage has left the diocese without priests assigned exclusively to schools, youth movements, or hospitals, and only one of the five prisons in the province has a permanent chaplain. Bonny said the number of unmarried men seeking ordination in Flanders has dropped to almost nothing and argued that relying on foreign-born priests cannot be the standard solution to declining local vocations.

The selection process follows criteria similar to those for permanent deacons. Candidates must be at least 35 years old, have the consent of their wives, maintain a stable family life, and not have very young children. Bonny described the ongoing preparation as transparent but discreet.