RECENT VALENTINE’S DAY got me thinking about my own commit-
ment to consecrated celibacy. In a world preoccupied with romantic
relationships and sexuality, what does it mean to give that part of
myself to Christ? For one thing, I realize my celibacy is steeped in a whole lot
of love.
I have been living religious life for 17 years now, and my walk with celi-
bacy has changed. When I was first considering life as a Catholic sister, I met
a wise, older sister who told me that I would struggle with each of the vows
of poverty, obedience, and consecrated celibacy in their own time. So far she
has been right. Just when I thought I was totally comfortable in these vows,
A
Celibacy steeped
in a whole lot of love
VALENTINE’S DAYhad author SisterSarah Hennessey,F.S.P.A. thinking abouther commitment toconsecrated celibacy.
In a world preoccupiedwith romanticrelationships andsexuality, what does itmean to give that partof one’s self to Christ?
BY SISTER SARAH HENNESSEY, F.S.P.A.
Sister SarahHennessey,F.S.P.A., a Franciscan Sister ofPerpetual Adoration, servesas a spiritualdirector at theFranciscan Spirituality Centerin La Crosse,Wisconsin.
The vow of celibacy lets this sister live her best life.
ELEMENT5 DIGITAL ON UNSPLASH
RELIGIOUS LIFE
