Vocation Information

Reflections on the Glenmary Oath

Focus: Commitment to Chastity (Celibacy)

I have woven together words on this topic from our Oath (in red) with quotes from individual Glenmarians (bulleted) and some commentary to tie it all together. The entire text of the Glenmary Oath is in the sidebar to the right. —Father Steve Pawelk, Vocation Director

Here are how some Glenmarians experience the evangelical counsel of chastity or celibacy:

• “Celibacy is being in love in many, many ways. It is a call from God to be open to God’s love in the many, many ways we may experience it. It is to be chaste and loving in the struggle.” (Brother Joe Steen)

• “Everyone needs love and intimacy to be healthy. Religious have different ways than married folks to satisfy these needs. I have several intimate friends to share my inner life with. Also, Jesus and I are close friends.” (Brother Bob Hoffman)

• “The blessing of celibacy is that it frees me for service. I am able to do more ministry since I don’t have a family. Also, I hope, my celibate priesthood is helpful to others in a sex-saturated world.” (Father John Garvey)

On their reflections on chastity, many shared both the struggle and what helps them keep their promise. Common struggles are loneliness, the desire for family, and even the temptation for sexual gratification. Yet each has found a way to overcome these natural tendencies with the help of God.

• “Having many friends of various ages and a spiritual director to whom I can say anything! And to be honest with my feelings for other people, both positive and negative.” (Father Francois Pellissier)

Father Bob Rademacher finds having a good schedule of prayer and work helpful. Father Rollie Hautz discovers strength in a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Joe Dean is strengthened by knowing Jesus walks with him.

• “What helps me be chaste is the AA principle – be sober one minute at a time, and I can be sober (chaste) always. As adultery ruins a beautiful marriage and hurts deeply, so impurity can offend our Lord who died for us. Only daily prayer, Mass, Office and Adoration keep my love alive and real so that any infidelity becomes loathsome to me.” (Anonymous)

To select additional Oath reflections

Commitment to rural missionary life
Commitment to the evangelical counsel of poverty
Commitment to the evangelical counsel of obedience
Commitment to the evancelical counsel of prayer
Commitment to fraternity
Return to Oath overview