VIRGINITY.
Q. How is it proved that the state of virginity is a vocation?
A. St. Paul mentions virginity as a special state of life, and
recommends it in preference to matrimony.
In the heading of the seventh chapter of the First Epistle of St. Paul
to the Corinthians we find these words: "Virginity is preferable to
the married state." In this whole chapter St. Paul speaks strongly in
favor of the state of virginity: "I would that all men were even as
myself;" that is, as the Fathers of Trent explain, "that all embraced
the virtue of continence."
Q. Why is virginity to be preferred to the marriage state?
A. Because virginity is more pleasing to God, and more conducive to
salvation.
Q. How do you prove that virginity is more pleasing to God?
A. St. John says: "These are they who are not defiled with women: for
they are virgins. These follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These
were purchased from among men, the first fruits to God and to the
Lamb."
St. Jerome says: "As soon as the Son of God came down upon the earth
He created a new family. He chose a virgin Mother, Mary, and a virgin
foster-father, Joseph; also a virgin disciple, John, and a virgin
apostle of the nations, Paul; so that He who was adored by angels in
heaven might also have angels to serve Him on earth."
Q. Do the Fathers of the Church recommend virginity?
A. Yes, in the highest possible terms. St. Augustine says: "The joys
of the virgins are not given to the other saints of God."
St. Cyprian says: "Virginity is the queen of all other virtues and the
possession of every good."
Speaking of virginity, St. Ephrem says: "If you have loved it, you
will be favored by the Lord in all things."
St. Bernardine, of Sienna, teaches that "virginity prepares the soul
to see her spouse, Jesus, by faith in this life and by glory in the
next."
Q. What is the exact teaching of the Church on the comparative merits
of matrimony and virginity?
A. The Church teaches that it is _of faith_ that virginity is
preferable to matrimony.
In the 10th canon of the 24th session of the Council of Trent we find
this doctrine: "If any one saith that the marriage state is to be
preferred before the state of virginity, or celibacy, and that it is
not better and more blessed to remain in virginity, or in celibacy,
than to be united in matrimony, let him be anathema" (that is,
accursed).