Celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God

Our consecrated celibacy can be understood only by belief in Christ because it is celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Christ himself lived an unmarried life to be totally at the disposal of the Father and mankind. He has called us to the same way of life. Thus our celibacy becomes a sign that He is the center of our life.

The vow of consecrated chastity obliges us to live perfect continence in celibacy. Celibacy, however, does not mean renunciation of love. Every human being is called to love, though this call may have different forms and modes of realization.

 By the call to consecrated celibacy a love is demanded of us that is ready, as Christ was, to serve God and be selflessly available to men. To live up to this demand is not easy, for we never have love in its fullness. Besides, love is forever endangered by our selfishness.

Celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of God can be lived only by belief in Christ. Hence we do not rely on our own strength but seek the encounter with him through whom God has first loved us (PC 12). Christ's assistance and the intercession of his mother will strengthen our love.

As celibates, we accept a certain loneliness. To master it, community life can be a valuable aid (PC12). Therefore we should strive to have communities in which each person knows he is accepted and in which friendship is possible. Insofar as we succeed in this, we make the meaning of human community manifest and bear witness to the fact that all men are required to love.

Reasonable care for one's health (PC 12) and a satisfying task are aids for living consecrated celibacy. It also requires prudence in dealing with others and constant self-control.

Celibacy, lived as consecration to God, frees us from internal and external ties and creates favourable conditions for our service to the mandate of Christ.