Capuchin Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the noted Papal Preacher, has written a small book on each of the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. He gave the title Virginity to this volume on chastity since he considers that to be the most comprehensive term for the scriptural basis of the vow. This review will use the term chastity.
The author divides his presentation into two parts: the biblical motivation for chastity, and how to live the vow. The practical minded may be tempted to skim the first section and focus on the second. But a firm foundation in scripture and moral theology is necessary for a faithful life of celibacy.
The biblical concept of chastity has two dimensions, prophetic and missionary.
The prophetic is based on the Kingdom of God already come in Christ but not yet fully arrived. God calls some to live now in the chaste condition of the future kingdom. This does not diminish the life of the married but is a witness that their communion will endure eternally when the present world is transfigured. Celibacy is therefore not a more perfect state ontologically, but it is eschatologically more advanced,
The missionary aspect is derived from St. Paul's observation that the unmarried are more readily devoted to the Lord‘s affairs (1Cor 7:31-38) with the provision of Jesus as unmarried for the sake of the kingdom. (Mt 19:10-12) The charism of celibacy is a gift to the church of those who are concerned solely with God‘s interests.
The second part of the book on living chastity begins with advice on how the married and the celebate can learn from each other. They are distinct but complementary gifts. The two are to be mutually edifying as both are „manifestations of the spirit given for the common good.“ (ICor 12:7)
The author states three essential conditions for living a celebate life: mortification, healthy acceptance of sexuality, and community. These are further developed with practical treatments on temptation and sin, physical and spiritual virginity, friendship and fraternity.
There can be no adequate summary of this book. It is a profound and prudent treatment of a challenging topic that requires careful reading. Tolle et lege.
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A Catholic nun has read it and approves!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2016