A priest we knew who left to get married said that lonliness was the worst part.
Contrary to popular opinion, it's not the lack of sex which makes celibacy so tough, it's the loneliness.
Getting a dog helps, but it's not enough. It's the assurance that there is SOMEBODY for you, who is there for you, and for nobody else, that makes marriage such a wonderful life.
If somebody told me I had to give up sex for the rest of my life, it wouldn't phase me, because my wife is my anchor and her presence in my life is all I need.
I admire any man who can make Jesus his temporal anchor.
The guys I know who've left all say that they just got to the point where they needed that complementarity that a woman gave them and that they could return.
It's not good for man to be alone.
That is why we faithful Catholics need to keep the priests in our Parish close to our families. have them over for meals and include them in our family gatherings. Let them talk things out.
We had the Associate Pastor over for dessert tonight. I think he appreciated being able to talk frankly and not worry about being 'quoted' around town. Sir SuziQ certainly let him know how HE felt about things, and I think Father appreciated THAT too!