Although he eventually married at 34, might Louis Martin, the father of St. Thérèse of Lisieux come to mind? He wanted to enter religious life but was refused.
Well, I specifically mean those whose vocation is to remain unmarried. We may thank the Lord for giving us St. Therese through the marriage of her parents, but like I mentioned in the OP, I fear that the celibate secular life does not receive enough attention, and this while celibacy consecrated to God is certainly a more perfect state of life than the married state.
St. Casimir, whom I mentioned earlier, desired to keep his virginity intact, refusing to follow the misplaced advice of certain doctors who suggested that he should marry. The saintly prince spent his life in prayer and penance until his death, which was at a young age.
The fact there is no sede religious house kind of makes this form of life inevitable if you want to remain celibate, no?
The destruction of religious orders isn't going to stop me from being a monk, at least in spirit! I work for CMRI doing translations, just like a monk might do, working for the Church.
Yes, I know CMRI has a monk or two, but I find it hard to consider that a monastery.
The problem of the widespread apostasy in modern society might perhaps generate several difficulties for those souls who discern a higher calling, and this is one of the reasons why I think the subject of this thread deserves consideration.
Imagine armies of men and women who are not restrained by the burdens of the married life, and who devote themselves fully to rebuilding Christendom in the apostate societies. They are free to go wherever God wants them to offer their service to Him, and like earthly angels they work continuously to see the Regality of Our Lord Jesus Christ adored again among men. Souls who burn with ardent fervour, fighting the battles of the Lord!
Perhaps something that may resemble a pious union of some sort could be a good idea? An international group of celibate Catholics in the secular life, who wish to devote themselves to such work, and who would thus have the support of other Catholics who share the same aspirations. It is just an idea, of course.
By the way, Raoul, I also occupy myself with translation work at present. I think that is a good way to bring back authentic Catholic education. Over here it is very difficult to find good Catholic literature in our native tongue; I do not even know of any active traditional Catholic publishers in my country. My fathers shed their blood to defend altar and hearth, but how is my kin fallen today. It truly is a tragedy. The torch of hope burns brightly, however! It is one of the beautiful things of being a Christian: Hope.