'The renunciation of marriage and family is thus to be understood in terms of this vision: I renounce what, humanly speaking, is not only the most normal but also the most important thing. I forgo bringing forth further life on the tree of life, and I live in the faith that my land is really God - and so I make it easier for others, also, to believe that there is a kingdom of heaven. I bear witness to Jesus Christ, to the Gospel, not only with words, but also with this specific mode of existence, and I place my life in this form at his disposal.'
More from Benedict XVI (Pope)
'We have such difficulty understanding this renunciation today because the relationship to marriage and children has clearly shifted. To have to die without ch…
Permalink to quote #13 '... Celibacy is not a matter of compulsion. Someone is accepted as a priest only when he does it of his own accord.'
Permalink to quote #15 'I think the essential point is a weakness of faith.'
Permalink to quote #12