After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. -The 4th Luminous Mystery

Priestly Celibacy

Question from Nick H on 3/26/2008:

Dr. Geraghty,

You had a recent question about priestly celibacy and when it became required.

I would encourage your questioner to read two books: "The Case for Clerical Celibacy" by Alphons Cardinal Stickler - a very brief and accessible book and The Apostolic Origins of Priestly Celibacy by Fr. Christian Cochini - a much more detailed, scholarly treatment. The most important point from the general description of Cochini's book is this:

What Cochini shows through patristic sources and conciliar documentation is that from the beginning of the Church, although married men could be priests, they were required to vow to celibacy before ordination, meaning they intended to live a life of continence. He provides extensive documentation, a bibliography and an index.

Answer by Richard Geraghty on 3/27/2008:
Dear Nick,

Thank you for your note.

Dr. Geraghty

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