Why should a Catholic Priest be banned from marrying or receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony?
Out of 23 rites of the Church, only the Roman or Latin rite requires celibacy, and in the Roman rite, there are some priests who are married, such as Protestant or Anglican converted ministers. Celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine, and a priest cannot break the solemn vows he freely took. Matt. 19:11-12 – Jesus says celibacy is a gift from God and whoever can bear it should bear it. Jesus praises and recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church. Because celibacy is a gift from God, those who criticize the Church’s practice of celibacy are criticizing God and this wonderful gift He bestows on His chosen ones. Matt. 19:29 – Jesus says that whoever gives up children for the sake of His name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. Jesus praises celibacy when it is done for the sake of His kingdom. Matt. 22:30 – Jesus explains that in heaven there are no marriages. To bring about Jesus’ kingdom on earth, priests live the heavenly consecration to God
