Celibacy

Celibacy is described as a witness to the inner sanctum, the holy, empty space in human life. By making this space visible, the celibate man or woman affirms and proclaims that all human intimacy finds its deepest meaning and fulfillment when experienced and lived as a participation in intimacy with God himself. The author explores this meaning of the celibate life by discussing the world in which the celibate lives, the nature of the witness the celibate offers the world, and the way of life through which this witness is affirmed and enhanced.Henri Nouwen is Professor of Pastoral Theology at Yale Divinity School, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510. His article was first presented as a lecture at the North American College in Rome, Italy on February 10, 1978.