The Mystery of Love for the Single

by Dominic J. Under and CAP. Father Dominic J. Unger, O.F.M.

Few realize that a person can pursue a truly supernatural vocation by consecrating himself or herself to perpetual celibacy while yet living in the world. Here Fr. Unger describes the main guidelines... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895558246
• ISBN13: 9780895558244
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Tan Books
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

An accessible, practical, and insightful book on the single vocation

Though first published in 1958, THE MYSTERY OF LOVE FOR THE SINGLE offers extremely relevant wisdom for contemporary singles. By a clear appeal to Scripture (Matthew 19:12) and the Church's teaching authority, especially the teaching of the Venerable Pope Pius XII on the subject, Fr. Unger affirms the legitimacy of the vocation of the celibate life in the world. He argues persuasively that it poses no threat to marriage (there is no danger of there ever being too few people who want to marry and have children) or to the priesthood or the religious life. Fr. Unger explains Christian celibacy as a supernatural calling that entails a spousal relationship with Jesus Christ. Both men and women, including those living in the world, may become spouses of Christ. Fr. Unger offers practical advice about the discernment of one's vocation, the manner of one's dedication of one's celibacy (he very helpfully includes a formula of consecration), and what a celibate single person should look for and avoid in friendships. He touches on living arrangements (single men or women should live either in groups of two or three or alone, as larger groups will likely take on the characteristics of a religious order). He also provides a "Prayer for the Choice of this Vocation" and concludes with an inspiring "Prayer to My Divine Spouse." Not surprisingly in a book written in the 1950s, Fr. Unger makes some outmoded statements about gender -- the man taking the active role in a human spousal relationship, the woman taking a passive role, etc. Nevertheless, it is clear that the author in no way intends to demean women and has great respect for them. His concern against single men and women forming an association together may be outdated and incorrect as well (he recommends the formation of separate associations of, respectively, single men and women). He also counsels against the idea of single men and women living together. He has a point, and such gender segregation is the rule for religious communities, but I personally believe that it is quite possible for even heterosexual men and women to live under the same roof without compromising their chastity. However, these are minor points and in no way detract from the tremendous value of this excellent book. I was already committed to the single vocation when I read this book, but it inspired me to fresh enthusiasm for my calling. I recommend it to anyone who is considering the single life.