I have little patience with any and all of these ''shortage of priests'' articles and/ or statements.  if the Vatican wanted to increase the number of priests, it knows (but ignores) the way to do it. truth be told, priests have been ''made' 'necessary by virtue of ''our leaders' '' centuries old desire to follow and emulate ''all things rich and royal.''   one of these days the Church movers and shakers  will get the message and start involving all of us as equals as we try to make God's Word alive and well on earth.  until then, forget it. in the meantime: we have Francis!!!!!! yea