Celibacy as Charism and Vocation in the Life of Capuchin Friars

Ricardo Gowasa; Triman  Sihura

doi:10.53396/media.v7i2.940

Authors

Ricardo Gowasa Universitas Katolik Parahyangan
Triman Sihura Pontificia Università Gregoriana, Roma, Italia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53396/media.v7i2.940

Keywords:

Celibacy; Capuchin Order; Sexuality; Self-Control; Sacramental Life; Kingdom of God.

Abstract

This study examines how perpetually professed Capuchin friars understand and live celibacy as a charism and vocation, identifying challenges and practices that sustain their commitment. It employs a qualitative approach combining a review of Church documents, Capuchin Constitutions, theological writings, and relevant literature with in-depth interviews with Capuchin friars in the Nias Islands. Interview responses were categorized and analyzed in relation to the theological and spiritual foundations of celibacy. The findings present celibacy as a freely embraced divine gift expressed through union with Christ, service to others, and prophetic witness to the Kingdom of God. Prayer, sacramental participation, healthy friendships, and constructive activities support fidelity and the responsible integration of sexuality. However, the study identifies limitations in understanding constitutional guidance on managing sexual urges, alongside personal initiatives such as gardening, exercise, music, reading, and writing. It concludes that sustaining celibacy requires ongoing spiritual and affective formation, deeper appropriation of the Capuchin Constitutions, and contextual, humane accompaniment that integrates personal responsibility with service and fraternity.

Author Biographies

Ricardo Gowasa, Universitas Katolik Parahyangan

Ricardo Putrawan Gowasa is a Capuchin friar affiliated with the General Custody of the Nias Islands, Indonesia. He currently serves as a deacon in the Nias Deanery of the Diocese of Sibolga. He completed his master’s degree in Philosophy of Divinity at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia, in August 2026. The article was written during his master’s studies. He was born on October 16, 1997.

Triman Sihura, Pontificia Università Gregoriana, Roma, Italia

Triman Sihura, known as Father Marcellus Triman Sihura, OFMCap, is a Capuchin priest and a doctoral student in Theology at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Widya Sasana in Malang, Indonesia. He earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He contributed to the article while studying at that university. He was born in Ahedan on June 4, 1990.

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