Abstract

A deeper analysis o f the problem o f celibacy shows that it is nowadays highly demanding. Those who have chosen celibate life need to make sacrifices o f their daily life and be willing to accept all the burden inextricably linked with it. To be able to carry this heavy burden is to be in a position to take one the daily cross o f the celibate life. There seem to be many causes o f difficulties in celibate life. They are very often complex and are created by a crisis o f the religious, human and transcendental values. Loneliness can be for a priest on the one hand an unbearable burden that eventually leads him to weaknesses but, on the other hand, an opportunity to constantly grow in Christ and clear his intentions for the Kingdom o f God. Among the most effective vehicles helping to achieve fidelity in the celibate life are: prayer, ascetic life, friendship and Marian spirituality o f the priest.