St Valentine's Special: Why I Chose Celibacy | LITTLE BY LITTLE w/Fr Columba Jordan CFR

[@ferdinandusrex]

Thank you for your vocation. I have been feeling called to celibacy myself and am beginning the application process for my Archdiocesan seminary. Please pray for me!

[@Chooselife2024]

Prayers to go forward 🙏🏻😇✌🏻

[@anthonyw2931]

God be with you

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God, that’s wonderful. You will certainly be in our prayers!

[@miasantos1422]

Will be praying for you.God be with you always.

[@ferdinandusrex]

Thank you all for the prayers!

[@deborahmahan2207]

I am very grateful to God for using you to speak to us. I am a forgiven, 3 time divorced, convert into the Catholic faith. On the day of my conversion I made a promise to remain celibate, for I had always felt I was meant for God. It took most of my life to get there. I live by God's Providence, i am peacefully, joyfully celibate and am learning to be obedient. I am wanting others to trust in God's good plans, and not take as long as I did to live in God's Grace. God blesses you and us all.

[@ctmcatholic]

That is a beautiful testimony, thank you for sharing!

[@diannerussell9653]

I didn’t choose the celibate life it chose me. We don’t get what we think we want. My mission is to just be and love everyone. Everyone is in some kind of pain. Pursuing things doesn’t make you happy neither does pursuing people. I adore and love my own company now. Now I am free to love people and help them without the attachment.❤️

[@normaperez7381]

I have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. I became celibate 15 years ago , and consecrated myself through Immaculate Heart of Mary to The Sacred Heart of Jesus , Praise God Almighty 🙏

[@ctmcatholic]

That is beautiful, Norma!

[@caitlin8160]

Thank you for this Father. I have been feeling called to religious life and fighting it. I recently ended a long term relationship because the thought/desire for giving up everything to follow God wouldn't go away. I had been really struggling with not getting married and having a ton of kids. Then one day in prayer a few months ago I heard very clearly the word "celibacy ". The deepest peace came over me and has since remained. Please pray for me.

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God for His calling in your life! You are in our prayers.

[@bernadettegonzalez1258]

Father you are so witty, I loved the joke about tying your belt to a car. But seriously, you are a holy man with a sense of humor and you are a blessing to your audience. Thank you for being you!

[@dawnelainebowie3943]

It’s about where your energy is directed. I didn’t know it was a call but I got a great love that was enough and when he died unexpectedly it was . . . enough. Now I can direct all my energy to falling into a greater love so I can share it with those around me. One less thing to distract from the main point

[@stephenmulligan1573]

Great explanation Fr Columba, I have to say I started off as an innocent young boy, went crazy in my teens until I became a full blown narcissist, ruined my marriage. After an amazing gift of pure grace from God and St Teresa of Jesus help, I have embraced celibacy and live it with pure joy. Would love to have my wife back but I reaped what I sowed. If nothing else, please, if someone is struggling, Narcissists, on a natural level never heal because they are the last ones to know they are severely ill. But supernatural Grace,nothing is impossible with God.

[@annswann3172]

I so agree with you. Marriage can be hell on earth and I wish for a simpler life. God is above everything. And meets us where we are At!!

[@ctmcatholic]

Praying for you and your marriage, Ann. 🙏

[@davidcooney3781]

Beautiful ❤Becoming gift and not users whatever our call in life The road to our salvation 🙏

[@ctmcatholic]

🙏🙏

[@theclapaolini4322]

You are helping those undereligious life.these not sure to make the decision to be called to the religious life.GREAT TALK !!!

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you, Sister!

[@fabianpatrizio2865]

Thank-you Father, beautiful explanation 🙂

[@ctmcatholic]

You are very welcome

[@mimizorz76]

What a beautiful message, thank you Fr, Columba!

[@ctmcatholic]

Our pleasure!

[@emilybee8960]

Such a beautiful reflection on celibacy. Your videos are always bit of wisdom and comfort.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thanks for watching.

[@anthonyw2931]

I feel I'm a cautionary tale. I may have been one that said no and sought marriage and the 'life', God blessed me with everything a human being would want. I am not lacking for money, nor ever had trouble with women...and I eventually had a child. But in all these things that I wanted; I never was 'happy'. But still God is kind and merciful. I keep thinking of the rich man asking Jesus what it takes to get to heaven.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you for sharing, Anthony. I’m sure there are many things God has done and will do through your “yes” to marriage and children, and it’s great that you are still seeking further ways to please Him. May God bless you and your family 🙏

[@kwkw5711]

The grass is always greener. Make the most of the opportunities you have now and pray for restoration for what the locusts have eaten....

[@jazzmusician46]

Beautiful. Thank you. ❤️

[@katkat2340]

Thanks for sharing - so many ways to run to understand celibacy . The world can not see nor understand what is in Gods heart for men. It can only be a call because if we understood it - it would not be from God.

[@ctmcatholic]

True!

[@melindaanne6036]

Thank you Father. That was the most beautiful talk I’ve heard on the subject!

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God for that!

[@fr.joseortigas2426]

Thanks Fr Columba for reminding me about the beauty of celibacy. God bless

[@ctmcatholic]

Glad you enjoyed this video, Fr Jose.

[@reneesmith7996]

Thank you, Fr. Columba! Really appreciated your comments. Growing up Protestant and being single all my life, I struggled when people asked me if I had the gift of celibacy. (This can be such a pejorative word for people.) So, I always responded that I was happily single (& chaste) until the Lord called me to marriage. Then, in 2008 I went on a retreat and was stunned by our Lord's invitation - commit to Him and Him only. I knew He meant lifelong celibacy. To make a long story short, in 2013 I was consecrated to the single life by my Anglican bishop. Happy Day! From that day in 2008 when I said 'yes'' to Jesus, I have not regretted my 'yes' one time! He gives GOOD gifts. This is one of those gifts that He delightedly gives and then watches and waits for our response. Will we receive His gift in joy? Will we step into this adventure with Him as our Bridegroom? So, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. We need positive models.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you for sharing this with us, and thank you for following God’s will so bravely! God bless you

[@theclapaolini4322]

That a perfect explanation of celibacym God gives all the graces to follow this cal . I love my life and feel very fulfilled in serving and loving my vocation. God has the graces for all He asks us to do.HAVE THAT TRUTH AND YOU WILL LIVE BY IT WITH JOY.FR COLUMBA YOU ARE SO RIGHT.

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God, and that’s great about your vocation!

[@mniaodhagain5180]

Love your talks. Lovely to hear your story , thank you

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you! 😊

[@minorytka3163]

I wish I would hear something like this 50 years ago. But it is what it is. You will be in my prayers from now on.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you, and you are in ours!

[@TrustInJesusThruMaryWithJoseph]

😃Thank you Father, so very beautiful! Oh yes..truly when we live in deep faith and trustfilled abandonment to the Divine Will of our sweetest Jesus..the joy and peace is beyond words...beyond anything this world can give. Something i read a little while ago in St.Faustina’s Diary comes to mind now...i feel called to share it here: #534 “Chastity.There is no need to explain that this vow forbids all those things prohibited by the sixth and ninth commandments: deeds, thoughts, words, feelings... I understand that a solemn vow differs from a simple vow; I understand this and all its implications. While reflecting upon this I heard these words in my soul: “You are My spouse forever; your chastity should be greater than that of the angels, for I call no angel to such intimacy as I do you. The smallest act of My spouse is of infinite value. A pure soul has inconceivable power before God.” 🙏🏻🕊🔥+❤️+🔥🕊🙏🏻 +May our Jesus bless you and always grant you a pure and humble heart like His own Eucharistic selfless Heart+

[@ctmcatholic]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[@BlessedisShe]

Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙏

[@ctmcatholic]

Our pleasure, thanks @Blessed Is She

[@clarepickthall8508]

Great to hear this. Another of single people also do not know about Secular Institutes of Pontifical Right. This is where as a single person you can take these vows in consecrated life but living out in the world rather than in a Religious Community. There are lots if us out there and I want to thank the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal over the last 20+ years fir helping me along this journey. Some Secular Institutes,are attached to a order or Caritas Christi..the Secular Institute I entered permits you to approach with whichever Catholic Spirituality you feel called to...which is a delight for me who was definitely helped along by St Francis and St Clare..isn't it great there,are so many vocations of different sorts 🙏❣😇

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God!

[@easyray3012]

I find chastity very difficult. I'm divorced for some years and I try to live chastely. Not easy, although as I get older the temptations are a little less intense. Thank you, Fr Jordan for sharing your teaching with us.

[@ctmcatholic]

You're very welcome, Ray. May God bless you in your struggle. He will give you the grace you need.

[@normarudland6488]

Thank you for this and for your sacrifice.No one, I feel, can fail to see that God Loves you and the draw of that Love spills out

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you for your kind words, Norma!

[@mazikode]

Thank you so much for sharing your own testimony..thats so powerful. I just am amazed how Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever . When i see your habbit and the 3 knots on it i see that. God bless you. I always feel so much peace when i watch your videos.

[@ctmcatholic]

Praise God, so glad you’re enjoying Father’s series!

[@marymccannfrancis9855]

Amen Lovely FR ✝️ thank you

[@miasantos1422]

Very helpful indeed Fr.And clearly expressed and explained. My respect and admiration for the priestly calling all the more grew. What a gift of self, living for Chist alone so the members of the body of Christ may be nourished and saved.It is truly a supernatural gift.You ate blessed.Thanks a lot, it's a great gift - celibacy.Very inspiring too.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you, Mia!

[@davidtombs7385]

Beautiful.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you!

[@lynneivison5773]

How interesting. I always felt used sexually during my marriage/relationships. That is why I chose to live alone - especially as there seems to be an inbalance in desire between men and women. To feel that my body was at the disposal of a person who had no conscious relationship with God was totally unacceptable to me. I am much happier.

[@ctmcatholic]

God bless you, lynne!

[@filhademaria3326]

Wow, Iynne, it was exactly what I went through! May I ask, did you make your permanent/ definitive vows? God bless you 🙏🏻♥️🦋⚔️

[@Barbaramamato]

Fr. Columba, you have a peaceful grace in the way you present your short chats. It is evident that you have been called and found your way to allow or permit Christ's grace into your life. May you continue to be a dwelling for Our Lord.

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Barbara!

[@antonioborriello5287]

Fr. Columbia..,.. I don't know if you actually read any of these comments; If you have the time, but I wanted to express my feelings to you. Gratitude first. To our Lord for calling you to your life, to your ministry, which in turn, has been gifted to me through these videos. To you, personally, for who you are. I must explain.....I'm an Italian-American, so you could imagine how everything I do and everyone I know is so "over energetic and passionate (Lol), but your demeanor is so calming and peaceful. There are times when I wish I was more like you, Fr., Maybe more Irish 😀. But seriously, my conversion started in my 20s, but now at 46 years old, God has gifted me so many Grace's, allowed my eyes to be opened to so many of His teachings, and what the Catechism is trying to teach, so much so that my life feels more enriched everyday.....and you have recently been a part of that. I wanted to say thank you to you and to let you know that what you do is not in vain. All these different subjects that you discuss.....each in its own way, is helping myself and thousands become closer to our Lord. Even though I strive to die to the world, for love of Him, these videos are a part of both world I don't cut off. They are not of the world, but of the spirit. Everyone, everywhere, needs more of this. I would one day hope to meet you and pray with you. God Bless you, your family, and your journey in Christ.

[@1annewatkins]

So beautiful ,

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you so much.

[@jadeDubien]

I am not a religious person. however I feel deep in spirit & have always been connected to God & felt God in my life. I have followed many spiritual paths to seek the truth & Gods presence since i was a child. Since my awakening I felt discontented to worldly things, including the pleasures of the flesh & I am married, but my husband does not understand I just want to be celibate because I have no desire for a worldly life I just feel in the spirit & not of the flesh. Worldly things do not interest me & its making me feel disconnected to the world. Its like I woke up to my higher conscious self to see people asleep in the illusions of the world & I just feel this higher calling from God & my spirit that sees beyond the attachments to this earthly realm.

[@rafaeloliva8328]

As usual thank you father Columba for teaching us the sacrifices you make for us God bless you

[@ctmcatholic]

God bless.

[@rafaeloliva8328]

@@ctmcatholic amén 🙏

[@paulmartin7609]

Ok fr Columba I pray for you I live alone im lonely too i have bipolar ok

[@ctmcatholic]

Thank you for your prayers Paul, you are also in ours!

[@paulmartin7609]

@@ctmcatholic thanks bro Amen

[@vicycross6037]

Thank you!!

[@ctmcatholic]

You’re welcome!

[@stevenkavanagh2082]

The distinction is between Passion and Desire: Passion calls us to suffer and sacrifice, whilst desire often forgets about suffering and sacrifice. If you get that clear in your mind then aim highest for Christ alone, as St. Paul says, but if you “burn” for the union of marriage and children, better go for that- tough choice either way- and accepting it is going to be tough is a big step in the right direction. Thank you Fr C for your choice 🙏

[@ctmcatholic]

Well put, thank you, Steven.

[@ftweedy5580]

This is the best talk about the topic. Thank you. It is beautiful

[@ctmcatholic]

Glad you found it so!

[@damianpoland5110]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@fightlikeshadow46]

Thanks for the insight

[@ctmcatholic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinajupiter581]

thank you ♡

[@Laura-iw3py]

I had written a comment before the book one but seems to have been lost. Maybe there is a limit... I thanked Father for this special video. Celibacy is a charism, a gift. I believe many problems with priests is that it is not properly discerned weather the candidates has this charism, otherwise it is just a teeth gritting exercise bound to fácil. Of course it can also fácil if the gift is not cared for. Celibacy is about allowing ourselves to be seduced by God and fall in love with Him. It is about being His spouse and to live all Father has said. As every married couple, there will be temptations, but God gives His grace. I am a consecrated virgin, it is a pure gift from God.

[@christywhitley6053]

I really, really like you- or rather whom you come across as being in your videos. Your delivery is on point. I hear you. I am a Christian, not Catholic, but I too am celibate. I hope it’s not a permanent condition as I would very much like to be in a loving marriage again. I am a widow. I asked God to take the desire to have sex from me and guess what, He did! I’m perfectly okay more than 95% of the time. It feels like when you’re a kid and don’t know what sex is like. Lol. I’d say intimate companionship is missed more than sex. Regardless of the situation, I believe God will provide if it’s necessary and you submit to His will.

[@californiamom4913]

❤️

[@ctmcatholic]

💙

[@lucaswagemann5995]

How do we find the celibacy God had in chastity of his son in sovereignty? He had a grace that was serving in purity and still had its chaste tranquility in sovereignty. Was like a flame of a still quiet calm…. I think every individual needs this beyond just the convert or the devoted. But the journey of the secular skeptic also while trying to find a place for hope.

[@Laura-iw3py]

P s. I reccomend a precious beautiful and also practical little book on celibacy by Pier Giordano Cabra

[@katehillier1027]

Some like me have celibacy and no dating marriage forced upon them by circumstances I never asked for.

[@ctmcatholic]

That is very true, Kate. We hope God is consoling your heart through prayer, and we will be praying for you.

[@paulmartin7609]

Pray for me im trying to become celebate im single ok help me fr

[@johntuffin3262]

God bless you.

[@ctmcatholic]

We are praying for you, Paul!

[@paulmartin7609]

@@ctmcatholic its not easy are you celebate and single

[@rameau1124]

Blessed is the man - or woman - who can stay away from porn and masturbation, essential for chastity and the redirection of sexual energy. Praying the Rosary is immensely helpful for this.

[@ctmcatholic]

It is!

[@Laura-iw3py]

It may be only in Italian and Spanish🤔

[@dellchica2373]

Celibacy is easy. No one out there is worth it.

[@marijap.1075]

♡😵

[@diannerussell9653]

I wish more men would seek the Christian life. They need it. Sex is a gift when a man marries. It is not something a man is entitled to unless he is willing to do the hard work in friendship with a lady than a Relationship and then if they feel very compatible and they love each other well then they should get married then the gentleman can consummate the marriage however sex Is only for procreation if it’s used for anything else it’s very destructive. It’s not the act itself which makes it filthy it’s what goes on in the imaginations of men while they’re having sex it’s not actually the sex itself that they are Pursuing its the wild Fantasy in their head that they are seeking it’s an LSD experience that they are seeking and this is why it would be Beneficial and safe for women in society if men got to know Jesus and live like him because women they need protecting from men who let their imagination run wild. It is filthy to be thinking about the sex act And what women need to understand is that men are visual creatures they are stimulated by what they see we all are except men’s minds go straight to sex. They are talking about now putting dress codes on women in corporate businesses and in offices and that applies to women wearing make up. Red lipstick and rouge Signifies to the male That women are aroused and ready for sex. When a woman is aroused her lips turn a deeper pink also her cheeks redden. Men are all turned on by these things. Also tight revealing clothing or lack of clothing also gets mens imaginations sparked. If more men really Immersed themselves in following Jesus and examples of the saints it would be a more clean society I think. There is nothing more appealing than a man who can control himself and be in the company of a woman without his mind going to smut. ❤

[@michelefrank3825]

ᑭяỖｍｏ?? ❗

[@caroleelagrone9729]

Sorry Father!!! But in my humble opinion, You are Very wrong to tell people They don't have the Grace Of God to live a celibate life if they live out side an order!!! That is Very wrong!!! God most certainly does Give His Grace to those who feel called to live a celibate life!!! I personally know people!!! Myself included!

[@ctmcatholic]

Hi Carolee, sorry that you picked up on it that way, it’s not what Fr Columba said or meant at all. If you see at 7:53 he mentions different ways to be celibate for God, one of the ways being “single for the Lord” which refers to lay celibate people. I hope that clears it up. God bless you, Katie

[@caroleelagrone9729]

Number 1 I was communicating with Father for what he said! Also he spoke of not receiving the Grace. If he has something he wanted to explain to me I would appreciate his response to what HE said! Not your opinion on what you think he said, Please And thank you!!! 🤗