They make that choice prior to ordination. No one has a gun held to their head in the seminary and forced to take a vow of celibacy. Incidentally, 21 of the 22 Churches sui juris which comprise the Catholic Church ordain, as a norm, married men. However, once ordained, a single Priest may not then marry and remain in the clerical state.
I've been a Catholic for nearly 50 years.
Too bad that that period of time has been filled with so much poor catechesis.
In one Church that I attend, there is a Priest who was Married - years ago. He is a wonderful Priest, as well as a wonderful human being. He has 7 children.
His wife passed-away years back and he entered the Priesthood. Now, personally, if I had marital problems or issues with children, I'd sure want to speak with him. He has the voice of true experience.
"Incidentally, 21 of the 22 Churches sui juris which comprise the Catholic Church ordain, as a norm, married men. However, once ordained, a single Priest may not then marry and remain in the clerical state."
--I haven't heard of that, but it doesn't seem to make much sense. So, no Priest is able to change their mind? Bottom line is that we need more good Priests.
"Too bad that that period of time has been filled with so much poor catechesis."
--On the contrary. Back to the bottom line. We need more good Priests. I have met, or read of Priests (former Priests) that are more than willing to return to the Priesthood if given the chance to remain married and faithfully conduct their Priestly duties. If they can contribute to the quality of the Priesthood, I see no problem with that.