Why are the priestly vows for life?

[DanielJohn]

I’ve always understood how a celibate clergy benefits the kingdom of God, as indicated in scripture (Mat 19:12, 1Cor 7:32-34). What I don’t understand is why the priestly vow lasts until death. Scripture is clear that the marriage vow must be until death, but I don’t see why this is the case with the priestly vow. Why can’t it have an expiration date, and then at that time, the priest either vows to an extension or leaves the priesthood to seek the marriage vocation?

This would seem to solve a lot of problems. For example, I can see why a bishop would be reluctant to defrock a scandalous priest. Not only would he be defrocked, but he would never be able to seek marriage. If the priestly vows had an expiration date, then the defrocked priest would be able to seek marriage after his vow’s expiration date.

Thank you and may God bless you.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

The Catholic priesthood, in itself, does not consist of a vow. It is a sacrament and like all sacraments, it is a sign instituted by Christ to give grace’. It is officially known as the sacrament of Holy Orders. Like the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, it bestows upon the recipient an indelible mark on the soul. Unlike the vows of the sacrament of Matrimony or the vows that constitute the religious life, the sacrament of Holy Orders is for eternity. The priesthood is in no way comparable with any other vocation. By it, the priest ministers in the Person of Christ. No one can merit such an honor. Because of the intimate nature with Christ that this vocation has, its’ permanence echoes the permanence of Christ, the high Priest who offered to the Father the sacrifice of His life for the salvation of the world. In other words, the priesthood of Jesus Christ, like the salvation He wrought, cannot be anything but permanent.

The sacrament of Holy Orders is completely separate from the matter of a married clergy. Throughout history the Church has had married clergy. Several of its’ Eastern rites have married priests. But in the West a celibate clergy is practical and above all, is a great testiment to the fact that God is indeed worthy of such sacrifice.

See: oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Celibacy_of_the_Clergy

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.