Most of us come from families of very modest means. But we are asked by Jesus, to give up that which can be worth far more than money or other possessions, the love of a good wife, the pleasure of happy, healthy children of our own, a home that is ours, truly ours. For some, it's harder than for others. Some turn away sorrowing, because they love Jesus and He loves them. But most try to use the sacrifice cheerily, heavy though their hearts may be at times to follow Him in a way to which only a few are called, and to be His close friends, not pretending to love Him more than others, or to be loved more intimately in turn.
Priests are no better than millions of married and single people in the world.
But we have made a choice. We cannot ignore the repeated proposal that our shortage of priests and prospective priests is attributable to the requirement for celibacy. This seems to be the primary concern of one or two Irish bishops. I disagree with them. Virtually endless studies of men eligible for the priesthood have been done.