"There are three virtues which perfect the devout person with regard to control of his own senses. These are : modesty, continence and chastity.

"By the virtue of modesty the devout person governs all his exterior acts.

"By continence the soul exercises restraint over all the senses : sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing.

"By chastity, a virtue which ennobles our nature and makes it similar to that of the Angels, we suppress our sensuality and detach it from forbidden treasures."

Blessed Padre Pio

As you we know, chastity is not something that we just get zapped with, no matter how hard you pray for it. I was thinking that as I look back over the past year, which totally amazes me, how chastity gradually develops as one of the fruits that is produced by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The gift of knowledge has come from reading the Catechism and the teaching of the Church concerning sexuality.

The gift of understanding has shown me insight into my own past and my personality.

The gift of wisdom through the Scriptures has shown me the depth of God's vision for human life.

The gift of counsel has helped me to avoid situations that would lead to temptation.

The gift of the fear of the Lord has given me the ability to acknowledge God as the source of my being who has a right to every dimension of my life.

The gift of fortitude has given me strength to keep committed to pursuing purity of heart.

The gift of piety has given me the desire for holiness and to pursue a greater union with God.

So all these working together have produced this growing fruit that I have now seen appearing. I guess what I am saying also is that I previously did not understand how to get at chastity. It was in seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit that they all have worked together to produce the self-control externally and the renewing of my mind internally that I know as chastity.

And for this, I am deeply grateful to God.