Celibacy had been a religious gift for those dedicating their love and life to God. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this had been practiced long before Catholic clergy resumed vows celibacy as a standard for spiritual discipline.
The Blessed Virgin was a virgin dedicated to God before she was betrothed to St Joseph, and it was part of their marriage contract that she would remain celibate. Not all marriages were meant for procreation. Jewish tradition knows well enough that acts done to satisfy the spirit are very noble and rank higher than acts done to please the flesh. If this were not so, then Jews would not have had a well establish religious tradition of fasting, praying, and giving alms.
You are correct about the dedicated celibacy
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but this had been practiced long before Catholic clergy resumed vows celibacy as a standard for spiritual discipline."
Moses, Abraham, Issac and Jacob (Isreal) were all married men. So was Peter the Apostle. Celibacy has never been a standard of morality or spiritually in the Bible. Paul was celibate by choice but claimed that he had every right to marry if he choose to do so.
"The Blessed Virgin was a virgin dedicated to God before she was betrothed to St Joseph, and it was part of their marriage contract that she would remain celibate."
Please provide scriptural support for this claim.