By Ian Vergel
Celibacy without a doubt is a common theme arising in priestly discernment. After all it is one of the promises made at ordination. Throughout my years in priestly formation, celibacy is a topic that is always raised in conversation.
As part of the human dimension of formation, the 5th and 6th year seminarians attended the celibacy seminar last week at Pallotti College, Milgrove led by Fr Hoa Dinh SJ. Fr Hoa is a Jesuit priest currently lecturing in bioethics and human sexuality at Catholic Theological College with a previous background in medicine. The celibacy seminar taught us about the differences between physiological and psychological sexuality, the spirituality of celibacy, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and professional standards pertaining to celibacy in priestly ministry. The week was extremely informative and the seminarians were blessed to have Fr Hoa given his experience and knowledge in these areas.
Personally, I found the content on the spirituality of celibacy of great benefit. Fr Hoa taught us that human sexuality reveals something deeper and integral about the human condition. Our desires teaches us that we have a longing to be made whole. It tells us that we were not made for ourselves. A healthy and mature sexuality understands that it is about giving oneself over to others. This can be expressed in the form of service, community and even creativity and humour. In the context of the priesthood, celibacy can be considered a kind of martyrdom, so that with God, we can bring life into the world. In a sense, celibacy calls us to communion with God and others.
The seminar has greatly assisted my priestly formation with a deeper and a more mature understanding of celibacy. Guaranteed, the topics of celibacy and sexuality will arise in future conversations whenever I tell others that I am training to be a priest. I am now more confident to engage with this topic knowing that I am a man made for communion.
