“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. » (Matthew 22:37) Celibacy is a way of loving, living and serving. The practice of celibacy is a religious practice of old age to which men, desiring to serve a higher power by joining religious orders, commit their lives. Although highly controversial in today's religious world, celibacy occupies an important place in the lives of many priests. Many people associate chastity with celibacy; but it is not the same concept. Chastity is abstention from sexual intercourse, but celibacy is the state of celibacy after taking a religious vow. Although priests must also be chaste, the intention of celibacy is without being married, they will be chaste. This religious practice began a long time ago. Since 1139, when canon law declared that ordination and marriage are mutually exclusive, Roman Catholic priests have been required to commit to celibacy. However, previously there was a law that stated that priests could marry, but could not have sexual relations with their wives. Very quickly, he was replaced. Celibacy is one of the forms of asceticism, defined as the rejection of bodily pleasures through sustained self-denial and mortification. In ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins (priestess of Vesta) were celibate and successful monasticism was everywhere accompanied by celibacy as the ideal. In the history of the Church, celibacy has become a controversial subject. In Jesus' day, however, celibacy was not in high demand. Jesus appointed Peter, a man who had a mother-in-law (Gospel of Luke 4:38, NAB) to be the first pope. In Judaism, the priesthood was considered a hereditary profession and priests could marry. ...... middle of paper ...... the heart of what's wrong. " National Catholic Reporter 46.17 (2010): 18. Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. EBSCO. Web. April 18, 2011. " CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Clergy Celibacy. " NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. April 18, 2011. .Matthew. The New American Bible. New York: Catholic Book, 1991. Print. Luke. The New American Bible. New York: Catholic Book, 1991. Print "The Biblical Foundation of priestly celibacy.” Vatican: The Holy See Web April 18, 2011. “Vocations and celibacy: a Marian prayer for the priests of Pope John Paul II “L’Orate Fratres.Web.April 18.”.. 2011. .