# Chaste guardian of the virgin, pray for us
*2020-03-15*

> Bill Young reflects on the virtue of chastity and the exemplary life of Saint Joseph as part of a consecration based on the writings of Father Donald Calloway.

## Understanding Chastity

In continuing our consecration to Saint Joseph through Father Donald Calloway's 'The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father,' we look at Day 12: 'Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, Pray for Us.' St. Francis de Sales noted that it was necessary for Divine Providence to commit Mary to the guardianship of a man who was absolutely pure. 

Chastity is a vital virtue of self-mastery and control over one's passions and sexuality. Contrary to popular belief, exercising chastity is not about repressing or rejecting the beauty of human sexuality; rather, it preserves the human heart and body for authentic, self-giving love. All people, regardless of their vocation, are called to be chaste so that we are not slaves to our passions, acting like irrational animals.

## The Example of Saint Joseph

While chastity is a general virtue, celibacy is a special form of chastity to which God calls some men and women for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Saint Joseph was both chaste and celibate. He was called to espouse a virgin consecrated to God in mind, body, and soul. 

Saint Joseph and Mary lived in what is often called a 'Josephite marriage.' They were truly husband and wife, but they never engaged in sexual relations. Their vocation was united in heart, mind, and soul, but not in body. They sacrificed a natural good for the greater good: the salvation of souls. Because Saint Joseph was pure of heart, he was capable of seeing God. His eyes and heart were filled with a pure intention and a chaste love for Jesus and Mary.

## Chastity in the Modern World

Modern man has become blinded by impurity. The world encourages premarital relations and contraception, and the virtue of chastity is largely forgotten. Even within marriage, some believe they are free to do whatever they desire with the body of their spouse. However, chastity is required in marriage as well to ensure that a couple truly loves one another and maintains mutual dignity and respect.

Saint Joseph is the first Christian gentleman and the greatest example of masculine chastity next to Jesus. He was married to the most beautiful woman in the world, yet he treated her with respect, dignity, and reverence. If men today were more like Saint Joseph—protectors and defenders of beauty instead of abusers of the feminine mystery—the world would be a very different place.

## Vocations of Protection

God wants all men to be like Saint Joseph. Whether called to marriage or to the consecrated celibacy of the priesthood, both vocations are necessary. Without marriage, there are no children; without priests, there are no sacraments. 

Married men must be chaste in their marriages, and priests and bishops must be like Saint Joseph—chaste for the love of the Virginal Church. They are called to be the guardians, defenders, and protectors of the beauty entrusted to them. As Pope Benedict XVI noted, the bishop is an icon of Joseph, to whom the Bride is entrusted; she is not at his disposal, but under his protection.

*Whether in marriage or celibacy, we are called to imitate Saint Joseph by treating others with dignity and acting as protectors of the beauty entrusted to us by God.*