CELIBACY AND CHASTITY

To explain further on the celibacy and chastity, the author opens the topic with the story
of Japanese Christians and by re-affirming the identity of the missionary Fathers through their
inquisitive questions were they joyfully welcomed by the villagers and having them to say Mass
in the church that has not been in use for a long time. In a way though, the author reiterated that
celibacy is not essential to the priesthood but it is part of the discipline that has span ages since
centuries ago. He reasoned that while the missionaries lacked the theological precision on
celibacy on par with other unique marks of the church, but they were right on their realization of
invaluable treasure of celibacy which becomes a source of blessing for her church which has
continually ensured the identity, love and zeal of her priests.

The author quoted his “why on celibacy” from Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, the encyclical by
Pope Paul VI where the Pope speaks on the value and reason for such a charism from various
viewpoint, both Christological, pastoral and eschatological, which he believe enable the priest to
“serve God and his people with a love undistracted and undiluted”. In a way, the author wants us
to fully and deeply understand the reason we embrace celibacy and that the Church’s reason for
celibacy is cogent, rich and persuasive. The keyword emphasized by the author was perhaps, the
purity which he further explained that all priests belonged to the Lord in which they give
themselves freely to others in service and love. Thus, the purity was a virtue where all thought,
words and deeds stems from undivided commitment of our love to Christ.

The next keyword to explain “purity” is integrity. Chastity, as explained in CCC, is the
challenge to keep the integrity of chastity in present era, the culture of today in which it is
constantly challenged. But he said not to shrink from it and embrace the redemption of Christ
which makes all of us eternally His. Catechism says of us being called to “a vocation to chastity”
and further talks on its integrity in which the person can unify all of their sexuality, both physical
and spiritual aspects, and integration of a sexual/spiritual person in ourselves into the
community.
 The author continued to explain the notions behind purity, integrity and chastity. The
celibacy and chastity is traditionally viewed from both positive and negative viewpoints which
explain the conscious choice and resolve of the priest. On the negative viewpoint, the priest
consciously gives up all of himself, and the beauty and sacredness of his sexuality, both bodily
and internal, in thought, word and deed to remain celibate. His conscious celibacy is guarded by
the virtues of purity, integrity and chastity.

The author states that celibacy is not something to be obtained in order to be ordained just
because it says so, but rather, it must come from a confident candidate who has felt being called
to the order freely, sincerely and personal. Quoting from Archbishop Harry Flynn that celibacy is
not something “spray-painted” or having AM/FM radio with new car. He further advises all
seminarians to reconsider their call to the priesthood if they wished to cultivate chastity
throughout continual formation path since this path tests the will to remain celibate. Those who
struggle with the challenges of being chaste, the author advises to persevere on and seek counsel
openly with spiritual director, a professional, formation adviser or even the trusted, wise friend.
The author explained that chastity is not a separate entity but being integrated within ourselves
with the help of the Holy Spirit as a free and faithful man in whom he embrace all of himself in
order to live out the celibacy with freedom, maturity and sincerity.

The author shares the positive side of being celibate – what is being embraced, chosen
and gained. St Paul sees celibacy as being a virtue, rather than burden. He says that celibacy is a
love that is not of the flesh, but rather as a love that transcends and sacrificial for everyone’s
benefit. The purpose of celibacy, according to the author, is provision of freedom for unlimited
love to blossom in joy and generosity. In safeguarding “the pearl of great price”, the author gave
pointers on how to avoid the negatives such as avoidance of alcohol abuse, suggestive media,
dirty talk, overstepping boundaries and so on. As celibacy entails times of loneliness, frustration,
intense struggle with temptations, the author exhorts all to unite even stronger with Jesus in
carrying our own cross.

He analogizes the chastity in the relationship of a husband to his wife to the outward and
interior love of Jesus and His Church. If they can’t sustain the interior love and companionship
to the One who loves all, the outward sign exuded is a lie. Struggles to be chaste are a challenge
which ultimately brings us in prayer in praying for strength, mercy and gratitude as all go
through the ups and downs. He listed down on how to preserve and strengthen the chastity
through personal enjoyment of solitude and personal hobbies, maintenance of a disciplined,
balance way of life, companionship of good priest-friends and married friends. It is possible to
live happy and wholesome life as a celibate which contradicts with the world’s view of celibacy
which everyone hoped to share to others the possibilities of being happy even without a spouse
and hinting to everyone that there’s more to this life than meets the eye through embracement of
celibate chastity realistically, sincerely and with joy.

In my life before entering seminary, I have to admit that I have a limited idea of celibacy
and chastity. I don’t quite understand why the priests that I admired are contently happy and
sometimes wondering deeply at “young” priests and thinking why they left all riches and
whatever in the world just to be a priest. From being intrigued and curious lead me to longing to
be like them throughout my years until chosen to enter for formation in 2017. 2017 was my year
of intense change and transition. I totally struggled on staying faithful to my resolve but I
humbly learned that I cannot walk this path alone; I must pray for his Holy Spirit to be my guide,
my teacher in order to consciously know God’s will for me.

This year is an intense challenge to my spiritual self and to remain chaste. With humility,
I acknowledge my weaknesses and shortcomings before the Lord since I’m still human, I can’t
run from temptations and I’m helpless. I end up keep on apologizing to God for every single
weakness through sacrament of reconciliation, Holy hours and monthly Spiritual Direction.
Since I knew that the roads of being celibate and chaste is still a long continual journey, I
sincerely hoped that I can persevere on this road with his blessings and graces, keeping true to
my resolve, and hopefully one day, I’ll become the chaste “groom” of the church, ready to serve
others and be a sign to others with all of my being.