Thanks, Nar! Upon further reflection, I agree with you that the word "monastic" and its connotations are probably more appropriate in this context. (But please note that not all [Catholic] priests are pastoral in their duties, as in the case of Franciscans, Dominicans, etc, who wear the habit of monks and live in relative silence and isolation, but are priests, nonetheless.)
I guess I was getting at was more of a concept of Frodo's/Bilbo's "marriage" to their duties as Ringbearer, making them incapable of marriage to a female hobbit -- in a way similar to the way that priests/monks/etc. are "married" to the Church. (In Catholicism, the Church is considered the "Bride" to the priest.)
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- Eve
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