CATHOLIC PRIESTS AND THEIR EXPERIENCE OF CELIBACY

This paper presents some results of an in-depth interview study on the celibate experience of Roman Catholic priests. Twenty-four parish priests who were able and willing to talk about their celibacy were interviewed in five- to six-hour-long sessions. The purpose of the study was to pin more insight into the psychodynamics of being obliged to live a celibate life. Three varieties of celibate experience that we discovered in our research population will be presented. Also the problematic relationship between celibacy and mental health will be discussed.