@jdflynn and it also seems to strongly encourage the evangelical counsels as well, which is why the avowedly poor/chaste/obedient priest is... better? a more perfect image/imitator of Christ? *sad diocesan noises*
@jdflynn hmm, I was thinking more simply the imitation of Christ. The eschatological sign of Christ's celibate life is pretty important, I guess. But the fullness of priestly identification with Christ, spouse of the Church, seems to necessitate celibacy.