From April 1st, the third symposium within the Internovitiate program took place over three days, gathering novices from various male and female monastic communities in Egypt. The event, titled "The Vow of Chastity," was led by Jesuit Father Nader Michel and provided a rich space for formation, reflection, and dialogue on the meaning and lived experience of chastity within consecrated life.

The program combined diverse lectures, personal reflection, small group sharing, and open conversations with Father Nader in a spirit of intimacy, fatherhood, and holistic formation—spanning the human, spiritual, psychological, and social dimensions. Drawing from the Jesuit 34th General Congregation, the vow of chastity was presented as a joyful expression of our identity in Christ and a spiritual source of fruitfulness and apostolic love.

The symposium’s reflection centered around four key axes:

1. Human Identity and Relational Foundations

Participants explored how our gender identity and personal history shape our capacity for relationship. The distinction between biological needs and relational desires was key, emphasizing that authentic relationships are built on respect for boundaries, difference, distance, and time.

2. The Nature of the Call to Celibacy

Celibacy was presented as a divine and unexpected call—a word from Christ that awakens a deep inner response. It is not self-initiated but received, much like the call of Abraham or the Annunciation to Mary. This call becomes a sign of God's presence and a witness to the coming Kingdom.

3. Receiving the Call in the Reality of Desire

While the vow of chastity does not deny human desire, it invites a transformation of it. The longing for intimacy remains, but is reoriented toward loving Christ and serving others. This path involves solitude, attentiveness to our inner life, and a deep trust that God’s love is sufficient.

4. Living Chastity as a Daily Journey

Chastity is lived through faithfulness to the Word of God, acceptance of our limitations, courageous decision-making, and generous service. It is less about control and more about authentic love—marked by honesty, humility, and attentiveness to the poor. Rooted in the heart, chastity becomes a quiet but bold witness of God's transforming grace.