The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

""""""CELIBACY, ETC. 455The Apostle of the Gentiles assures us that he leda single life, and he commends that state to others :I say to the unmarried, and to the widows,it isgood for them if they so 1continue, even as I."There is no evidence from Scripture, that any ofthe Apostles were married except St. Peter. St.Jerome says that ifany were married, they certainlyseparated from their wives, after they were called tothe Apostolate. Even St. Peter, after his vocation,did not continue with his wife, as may be inferredfrom his own words: "Behold, we have left alland followed Thee."2Amongthings, all thingsmust be reckoned the fellowship of his wife ; for, hecould hardly say with truth that he had left allthings, if he did not leave his wife. And our Saviourimmediately afterwards enumerates the wife amongthose cherished objects, the renunciation of which,for His sake, will have its reward. 8St. Paul declaresthata bishopmust be sober,just, holy, continent." * And writing to Timothy,whom he had consecrated Bishop, he says: Be thouan example to the faithful .... in charity, in faith,6in chastity."And in another place, he enumerateschastity among the virtues which should adorn theChristian minister : In all things, let us exhibitourselves as the ministers of God in much patience,.... in chastity."*1 I. Cor. vii. 8.2 Matt. xix. 27. Ibid. xix. 29.4 Tit. I 8. I. Tim. iv. 12.6 II. Cor. vi. 46.