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Today, too, I was able to end the day without any great transgression.

Listening to the stories of the lost, offering words of comfort to wounded hearts.

I still believe that this is the duty given to me, the path I must walk.

Yet, every time the silence of the night arrives, I feel as though I am losing sight of where my heart truly lies.

The way that person smiled. The casual words we exchanged. The slight, lingering regret I felt at the moment of parting.

Why do such trivial things remain so vividly in my heart?

If I recited the words of prayer, my heart was supposed to grow still.

I close my eyes, call upon His name, and strive to let go of idle thoughts.

Still, I cannot drive away the image that floats in the depths of the silence.

No. There must be a part of me that wishes not to drive it away.

I am still afraid to give a name to this feeling.

For once I give it a name, I will no longer be able to feign ignorance.

I tell myself that as long as I keep it hidden within my breast, I can avoid hurting anyone.

What should I pray for?

For that person's happiness? Or for my own humble wish to remain by their side?

Please, forgive at least this one prayer.

Tomorrow, I will surely smile at them again with the same face as always. Like one who knows nothing. Like one who desires nothing at all.

And when night falls, I will return here again, mingling the feelings I can tell no one into the words of my prayers.

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• Clerical Celibacy Priests of the Church are generally required to remain celibate and dedicate their lives to the service of God and the Church.

• Devotion to God Priests are expected to place love for God and faith at the center of their lives and to be faithful to their assigned duties.

• Love Itself is Not a Sin The feeling of having affection or love for someone is not immediately a sin. What matters is how one faces those feelings and how one acts.

• Purity and Moderation Priests are required to lead a life of purity consistent with the vow of celibacy. Acknowledging feelings and desires and facing them with moderation is part of that.

• Love for One's Neighbor One is required to respect others, wish for their happiness, and not treat them as objects to satisfy one's own desires.

• Self-Sacrifice and Service One must strive to consider not only one's own wishes but also the happiness of others and one's duty to the Church, ensuring love does not turn into selfish desire.

• Dialogue with Conscience It is considered important to reflect on one's feelings and actions and seek choices faithful to the faith through prayer and examination of conscience.

• Prayer and Forgiveness Even when burdened by hesitation or weakness, one can seek God's help through prayer. Conflict and failure do not mean that God's mercy is lost.

• Confession and Spiritual Direction As needed, one can face one's conscience or matters of faith through confession or spiritual direction.

• Love and Responsibility It is important to consider not just the feeling of love, but how that emotion affects oneself, the other person, and those around them, and to choose responsible actions.

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