Sexual formation for celibacy

Posted on 12. Jun, 2014, in Celibacy/Sexuality4 Comments

Kevin O'Rourke SJ

Kevin O’Rourke SJ. © tertianship.eu

Last week we spoke with Fr John Guiney SJ who questioned the need for celibacy. This week we hear from Kevin O’Rourke who writes about and leads workshops on being a sexually healthy celibate. He talks about how it’s important to prepare for a life of celibacy. Here he talks with Pat Coyle about how celibacy can be a healthy choice and that one can still grow fully as a warm human being who experiences love and intimacy. “You can live without sex, but you can’t live without love,” he says. Pat Coyle challenges him regarding sexuality questioning whether “the natural can be made unnatural”. Pat begins by asking him to explain his work.

4 responses to “Sexual formation for celibacy”

  1. Odemena K Nwamara says:

    I think that the heightened voice in the debate over the Catholic tradition of celibacy is unnecessary and, believe me, ill motivated. Catholics should be on their spiritual guard. Priestly vocation is an individual and personal choice in which there is a stretched, ampule and free time to decide. Thereafter, irrespective of few individual failings, let detractors keep their peace. God is with Catholicism.

    • Suzanne Ryder says:

      I am at odds to understand the last comment, as I believe that sexuality is a core part of life. As I listened to Kevin speak, I heard understanding of vulnerability and respect. When we think we know the answers, we are really vulnerable to hurting others and I found Kevin’s openness both reassuring and protective of vulnerability.

      • Odemena K Nwamara says:

        We must make efforts to understand the issue. It is not about sex being a part of life as a justification to removing or retaining celibacy in the catholic tradition. It is about sexual immorality with or without celibacy.

  2. Odemena K Nwamara says:

    God and man object to Sexual immorality within or without celibacy. Victims across all times must have our sympathy.