I remember from years ago a priest who always asked younger priests, "And what is your sex substitute?" I thought at the time that he was just an old cynic, but not now. It was a valid question and the truthful answer for many, tragically, would be - alcohol.

One of the saddest things I ever heard was about a priest who had been 'disappeared' to a clergy drying out clinic. Even when he was 'fixed' and returned to a parish, his self esteem was zero. It took him ages to show face at a clergy meeting. He eventually plucked up courage and went along. After the meeting, at the free bar, that priest slipped and fell. One priest helped him to his feet and noticed that the priest was crying. He asked him if he had hurt himself. The priest said no. He was asked, "Then why are you upset?" He went on, "I haven't touched a drink in over two years but I know that by tomorrow it will be round the diocese that I am back on the drink again. And I'm not."

Mandatory celibacy has a lot to answer for.