CELIBACY IS A FREELY ACCEPTED GIFT

                       Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien
                          Bishop of Phoenix

                from _The Catholic Sun_, May 20, 1993


        For some time now the issue of celibacy has been written about,
talked about, analyzed and criticized by people in the church as well as
those outside the church. The media, which has been at the forefront of
the discussion, have said, in effect, that the reason some priests act
out their sexuality is because they are expected to be celibate.
        Celibacy is viewed by others as a harsh form of self-denial that
the church "imposes" on those who want to serve as priests. It is viewed
as the cause for sexual misconduct by priests. Critics imply that if the
church allowed priests to marry there would be no sexual misconduct, no
sexual abuse of children and everyone would live happily ever after. Any
person with common sense would know that argument is flawed because
there are thousands of married men who abuse their children, some are
unfaithful to their wives, some have an addiction to sex and so on.
These are behavioral problems which are founded in every segment of our
society whether it be in homes, in schools, in businesses, in
government, in churches and synagogues. Why does this happen? Because we
are human beings, and in the instances of child abuse and sexual
addiction, those individuals need pyschological help. The church does
not condone this type of irregular behavior and we will do everything we
can to build and form healthy individuals and families because it is
from familes that come the future priests and leaders of our church. We
also will do everything we can to screen carefully any candidate for the
priesthood.
        In my opinion, the issue isn't priestly celibacy or chastity.
The issue is a society that promotes promiscuity, infidelity, unhealthy
and pornographic "entertainment" in the form of magazines, movies, etc.,
and a society that does not promote healthy relationships and families as
role models.
        It is important for me to review the issue of celibacy in the
priesthood with you because the foundations for understanding celibacy
as a "gift" to the church should be very clear to all Catholics. St.
Paul affirmed that celibacy is a "gift" from God that must be freely
accepted. (1 Cor. 7:7-9).
        Celibacy dedicated to the service of God is an expression of
discipleship. It is the way priests walk in the footsteps of our Lord
Jesus Christ; and we embrace it for the sake of the Kingdom. For those
"gifted" with celibacy it offers discipline and allows priests to
recognize God's presence in ministry and in the communities they serve.
Celibacy allows priests to focus their attention on their dependence on
God and the community of faith; it helps priests grow in their love for
others through ministry.
        The church does not "impose" celibacy on priests. It asks its
candidates to the priesthood to make that choice freely and with a full
commitment. In addition, the church requires a man to state in writing
that he has "freely" chosen celibacy. So, you see, this should come as
no surprise to anyone seeking to be a priest in the Latin Rite of the
Catholic Church or anyone who is presently ordained to the priesthood.
        Celibacy is not simply a factor necessary for ordination.
Celibacy and priesthood are two related vocations. Those who feel God's
call to the priesthood must also hear the call to celibacy. The call to
a celibate priestly life comes from within the individual. It is a
commitment and dedication that the individual feels so deeply that there
is no room left for marriage. In addition, the celibate commitment
compliments the marriage commitment in demonstrating God's fidelity to
his people and his sacrificial and generous love in the world.
        I know it is hard for some people to understand that kind of
commitment and dedication. But, there are thousands of good and faithful
Catholic priests who live their priesthood  and minister with love and
compassion to the People of God. The priests in the Phoenix diocese are
no exception. I am proud of our priests who work untiringly to meet the
needs of our people, whether it be in parishes, missions, as chaplains,
as teachers, as administrators and so on. They need the love, support
and admiration of our people.
        There is no question that there are some failures in living a
celibate life. Our critics see the abolition of celibacy as the solution
to the problems of sexual misconduct. But, that is not the solution--not
any more than abolishing marriage because of infidelity or divorce.
        As a church, we are faced with many challenges--celibacy being
only one of them. I can ask for two things. First, that our priests keep
their freely made promises to live their lives in service to God's
people, and second, that our people support their priests with love,
understanding and kindness.