Notre Dame’s Institute for Church Life and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Doctrine sponsored a “Symposium on the Charism of Priestly Celibacy” last week. Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., reacher to the papal household at the Vatican, delivered the keynote lecture entitled “The Prophetic and Missionary Dimension of Priestly Celibacy.”

Fr. Cantalamessa described 4 dimensions of priestly celibacy: prophetic, spousal, missionary, and charismatic. Drawing from Scripture and Church tradition, Fr. Cantalamessa spoke of the prophetic and missionary, also known as apostolic, dimensions in terms of the Kingdom of Heaven. Priestly celibacy is “for the sake of the kingdom of God,” and its apostolic role is found in its spiritual fruitfulness.

The spousal dimension of priestly celibacy sees a transformation from a cause such as the Kingdom of Heaven to a person, Christ. As a charism, celibacy should be lived with humility, freedom, and joy.

Fr. Cantalamessa called for a complete reversal of the mindset surrounding priestly celibacy, drawing on the tradition’s biblical and theological roots. While a common reaction to priestly celibacy from those outside of the Church is suspicion and pity, Fr. Cantalamessa reminded that celibacy, and consecrated virginity, is “a freely accepted commitment and a gift of grace.” From this starting point priestly celibacy’s spiritual fruitfulness may be realized.

Fr. Cantalamessa explained that he is able to speak positively about ecclesiastical celibacy because “chastity for the sake of the kingdom was, is, and always will be part of Christ’s intentions.” This not only includes priestly celibacy but also consecrated virginity and vows of chastity.

The prophetic dimension of priestly celibacy is most clearly seen in Scripture and in Christ. In Matthew 19:12, Christ creates a new state of life where men become like eunuchs “for the sake of the kingdom of God.” He explained that this new state did not “disqualify marriage,” but “revitalized it.” Marriage ceased to be a duty and became a vocation.

Priestly celibacy is prophetic as a consequence of the dual nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom has already arrived in Christ, and yet has not been fully realized here on earth. Some can live here and now in the state in which people will ultimately live in the true kingdom of God.

Fr. Cantalamessa explained that virginity and celibacy fulfill nature at a more profound level, for the most fulfilled human state is to be single for the sake of the kingdom. He made clear, however, that “celibacy or virginity is not a more perfect state, ontologically, but it is an eschatologically more advanced state in life.”

“Seeing the Kingdom of God as not fully come but still coming, we need men and women who are dedicated full-heartedly for the coming of this kingdom,” he said.

Fr. Cantalamessa spoke of Padre Pio and Mother Theresa as exemplifying the apostolic dimension of priestly celibacy in their spiritual fruitfulness. People continue to call Padre Pio “padre,” and Mother Theresa “mother,” instead of “saint” or “blessed,” because they most identify with the pair in terms of their spiritual father – and motherhood. It is through proclaiming the Gospel that a priest experiences spiritual fatherhood, “fathering” the listeners.

When priestly celibacy is directed towards the person of Jesus Christ, its spousal dimension is realized. Calling for reconciliation between eros and agape, such as that found in Deus Caritas Est by Pope Benedict XVI, the celibate desires and experiences faithfulness, desire, joy, passion, and admiration for Jesus. “The chaste man drives out eros by means of eros…love of Jesus Christ,” Fr. Cantalamessa explained.

In discussing the final dimension of priestly celibacy, Fr. Cantalamessa appealed to the priests and bishops in attendance to be leaders of God’s people while remembering the great gift of God’s love. “If celibacy is a charism, then it is a manifestation of the Spirit…it is more a gift received from God than it is a gift to God…a free gift.”

Considering celibacy’s status a gift, Fr. Cantalamessa encouraged audience members to live humbly and joyfully.

“The best advertisement for a vocation is a joyful, calm, peaceful priest. Through his simple life he testifies that Jesus is capable of filling this life and making it happy,” he said.

Finally, Fr. Cantalamessa taught that the best defense of celibacy is “to fall in love with Jesus; unless there is a strong relationship with Jesus, everything else will be a poor defense.”

Fr. Cantalamessa holds doctoral degrees in theology and classical literature and was appointed preacher to the papal household by Pope John Paul II, and continues in that role under the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. As such, he is the only person allowed to preach to the pope.

Sandra Laguerta is a junior theology major who begs to hear of your great encounters with mendicant orders. Contact her at slaguert@nd.edu.