[NYer]

The priestly life entails sacrifice.

Whoa .. that's way too deep a mystery for western society to comprehend. (/sarc)

[Tax-chick]

Every Christian vocation entails sacrifice. In fact, we might say the Christian vocation IS sacrifice, enacted in different ways according to one’s call.

[VidMihi]

It seems to me that while it is true that celibacy is not the problem per se, it tends to attract homosexual men disproportionately, ( who may practice safe sex -that is - no women involved, thus no desire for marriage).

The heterosexual male does not usually relate well in a community of sexually active gay men. I suspect the outside interests of gay men - food, style, fabrics, teen girl idols, male body parts, young boy friends etc. make it difficult to create close friendships which are essential in the priestly fraternity.

Gay priests, with some significant and notable exceptions,are not known for their pastoral 24/7 enthusiasm. And since so many of the bishops are gay, the heterosexual priest has little chance for advancement or even encouragement.

Thus to be a heterosexual celibate priest is a very very lonely and discouraging lifestyle.

Recalling some of the priests who have married would begin to change the gay culture of the current mix.