Expert: Kaylan - 3/15/2005

Question
Hello Kaylan!

I'd like to ask you if life in celibacy is a higher calling than married life. Why virginity is such a great virtue in Catholic church?

thanks!

Answer
Luke,

I think this article answers your question very well:

http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0102fea5.asp

Excerpt:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Christian virgins, called by the Lord to cling only to him with greater freedom of heart, body, and spirit, have decided with the Church's approval to live in a state of virginity" (922; emphasis added). As this statement points out, celibacy also bears strong witness to true sexual liberation. For liberation consists of man being able to master his passions rather than giving in to his whims.

Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism also believe this. Although these religions have erroneous ideas in regard to celibacy, they do see its value and radiate much of its goodness in their monasticism.

Celibacy and marriage are not two competing vocations but are dependent upon and elevate one another. It is not by coincidence that times of crisis for marriage (such as our present time in which the divorce rates are astronomical) are also times of crisis for consecrated celibacy.

Although celibacy is objectively superior to marriage, it does not diminish the goods of marriage. In fact, celibacy elevates the good of marriage. It is a superiority that totally gives itself for the good of marriage. It also makes itself dependent on the good of marriage for its life. This interdependence of marriage and celibacy is not only spiritual but physical as well. After all, in order for a person to be able to embrace celibate love he has to be created, and the way God creates man is through the marital embrace. In this light, it is not by mistake that the family is seen as the source of priestly and religious vocations.

It is also not by mistake that the greatest defenders of the covenant of marriage are celibates, and likewise the greatest defenders of celibacy are married people. This is not the result of a "grass is greener on the other side " mentality—that is too shallow a view. It is because the goodness of the one elevates the goodness of the other.

Even though celibacy is the objectively superior state, this does not mean that it is for everyone. Our Lord makes this very clear when he says, "Not all men can accept this precept, but only those to whom it is given. . . . There are those who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this let him receive it" (Matt. 19:11–12).

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One also can consider that married persons can practice chastity according to their state. If a couple have serious need to avoid children and practice NFP, they must abstain from marital relations at various times of the month. Women whom suffering serious medical ailments due to pregnancy, for example, would have a serious reason to avoid future pregnancy and so they do not practice birth control but only practice Natural Family Planning and thus allow God's will in their life. They actually live a chaste life while yet being married during those times they must abstain from sexual relations.

And single persons also live chastity unless God calls them to the married life.

Kaylan
"Jesus, I trust in You." - Divine Mercy Prayer

PS: Divine Mercy feast day is coming up, April 3rd! You can read more about this important devotion at the Divine Mercy Shrine: www.marian.org

For further questions on the Church you might enjoy this online book. The priest has since passed away not too long ago but his works are excellent:

http://www.scborromeo.org/glad/glad.htm

Peace of Christ