“………. celibacy remains a particularly powerful witness because of it’s witness because of its rarity: a celibate on the scene usually raises more questions in people’s minds than a married person or a single person” – Celibacy, Prayer and Friendship by Christopher Kiesling, O.P
What is that one question people have asked you repeatedly as a Sister? As a layperson, what is the one question you wish to ask a Sister?
Sisters are women who have consecrated themselves to the praise and service of God. Religious Sisters profess the vows of Chastity, poverty and obedience. However, a lot of people are only curious about the vow of Chastity. When people see sisters, they only think about beautiful women who have decided not to marry. Religious sisters are often bombarded with a lot of questions, with the most popular one being: “Why did you become a sister? Others even think it is a waste of life. I am sure most sisters can relate to this very well.
In this question, what people are trying to find out is “why won’t you marry?” “Why celibacy?” The answer lies in the quote above. Religious life or celibacy is so rare that when there is a sister or priest in sight, people want to find out a lot of things about them. But on a more serious note, “why celibacy?” Why would full-fledged human beings choose to be celibate? Have you reflected deeply on this question? Let’s put all the answers you give to people aside. What answers do you give to yourself for choosing celibacy? Is it even worth it?
People who choose celibacy do so to share in the life and ministry of Christ. Christ walked on earth to do the will of his Father. He was celibate, and yet his life was filled with so much love. Thus, celibacy is not a life devoid of love but rather a life that has love in its fullness. He had no biological children or wife, yet he had many children and friends. It’s an irony, I know.Jesus was always in his father’s house and rose early daily to communicate with him. Sisters also have the life mission to do the will of God; they communicate with the Lord daily in prayer.
Jesus spent his day preaching to people about his father; he touched and healed them. Through the various apostolates sisters do, they bring healing and comfort to people. He had friends whom he loved deeply and sought to bring them closer to his father. Jesus’ love was not limited to his wife and children. Everyone who encountered him experienced that love. Likewise, the love of sisters who have taken the vow of Chastity is for everyone; all are welcome and receive love. His was a life lived for his father and others. What a beautiful life celibacy is, to live for God and others.
Celibacy is not a life without love, nor is it a life of loneliness. It is rather a life full of love for God and for others. This love is not limited to a person or a group of people. As sisters, you have so much love to give to the world. When people see you, they must recognise Jesus. Your life is a witness to the people who encounter you.
By: Clara Adwoa Konadu, SSL (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana -CASCON-GH)
