Spirituality: Chastity in the Society of Jesus

All should keep in mind that love consecrated by chastity should constantly grow, and approach the mature measure of the fullness of Christ. It is, consequently, not a gift bestowed once and for all, mature and complete, at the beginning of one's spiritual life, but such as by repeated decisions, perhaps serious ones, should steadily increase and become more perfect. Thus the heart is more and more cleansed of affections not sufficiently understood, until the person adheres totally to Christ through love.

Such love of Jesus our Lord impels a person likewise to genuine human love for others and to true friendship. For chastity for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven is safeguarded by fraternal friendship, and in turn flowers forth in it. Hence also, we should regard as the precious apostolic fruit of ever more perfect love of friendship that mature, simple, anxiety-free dealing with men and women with whom and for whom we exercise our ministry for the building up of the body of Christ.