Catholics and NFP - Page 8

[Bluegoat]

Yet the Catholic Church's premier married couple never had sex at all.

I think what you are saying is a departure from the historical Catholic teaching myself, which allowed for long term celibacy within marriage as long as both members agreed, and this was considered a good thing, allowing them to devote themselves to other things. Some even entered monastic life.

[Shami]

Originally Posted by Bluegoat

Yet the Catholic Church's premier married couple never had sex at all.

I think what you are saying is a departure from the historical Catholic teaching myself, which allowed for long term celibacy within marriage as long as both members agreed, and this was considered a good thing, allowing them to devote themselves to other things. Some even entered monastic life.

Are you referring to Joseph and Mary? Sorry if that is a completely ignorant question.

If you are referring to Joseph and Mary, what about the siblings that are referred to in the NT, can't remember where?

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by Shami

Are you referring to Joseph and Mary? Sorry if that is a completely ignorant question.

If you are referring to Joseph and Mary, what about the siblings that are referred to in the NT, can't remember where?

Yes. According to tradition, Jesus' brothers were actually his half-brothers. Joseph was a widower when he was betrothed to Mary, and so there were older children.

There are a few other well-known examples of this kind of celibate marriage - Saint Elzear and Blessed Delphinia come to mind. She had made a vow of celibacy prior to marriage, and told her husband after they were married, and so he took a vow too. They joined the secular Franciscan's together. They lived together and had a large household of needy people that they cared for together.

[Katala]

Originally Posted by Shami

Are you referring to Joseph and Mary? Sorry if that is a completely ignorant question.

If you are referring to Joseph and Mary, what about the siblings that are referred to in the NT, can't remember where?

From what I remember from CCD classes growing up, we were taught that they were likely Joseph's children from a previous marriage (considering that he was likely quite a bit older than Mary it would have been quite plausible for him to have been married before). I'm not sure that this is official Catholic teaching, but I remember hearing it several times. I believe that it was also mentioned that the words used for "brothers and sisters" was actually a more general words that could have also been used to refer to cousins or other relatives. Not having access to the original manuscripts (and not being able to translate Greek to English either) I have no way to back this up, but knowing what I do about languages and translation it certainly seems probable. I do remember a priest saying that "brothers and sisters" could refer to step siblings OR cousins, etc. based on the word used and lack of concrete knowledge about Jesus' extended family, but that we didn't really have any way to know for sure.

[Smokering]

She had made a vow of celibacy prior to marriage, and told her husband after they were married, and so he took a vow too.

I can just imagine how that conversation must have gone down!

[Bluegoat]

Originally Posted by Smokering

I can just imagine how that conversation must have gone down!

No kidding! I guess that is part of why he is a saint!