World Day for Consecrated Life

Throughout the Church Univesal, time and prayer are being set aside to reflect on the value of the Consecrated Life (formerly known, and in most places, still known as Religious Life), and to thank and encourage those who have answered the Call. It is refreshing to read that the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity in Manitowoc, Wisconsin have four young postulants in their first phase of formation for the Sisterhood. A small number compared to "the old days," but nevertheless, a ray of hope after years of no candidates. Is it a trend? A bit early to say, but the climate does seem to be changing. There is an openness to listen to, consider, and even move toward serious discernment regarding the Consecrated Life by young people ranging from high school freshmen to adults in their 30's. These are people who are growing more and more disatisfied with the empty promises of happiness that materialism offers, and who want to cut to the essentials of living simply and serving those in need, the handicapped, the orphaned, those struggling with addictions or lack of direction, those having no families, or broken families. Many of this new generation of healers have walked a long path of discovery themselves and have "seen the light." They want to dedicate their lives to enlightening others still in darkness. They want no fancy trappings, but bare-bones, gutsy service nourished by prayer and community. They are willing to leave their homeland to travel to the Third World to help pick up the pieces of war, oppression and genocide. In years past, they would have been the ones to joing missionary orders. Perhaps they will be the ones to start new orders or help existing orders return to their primitive roots and charism and cast off the "fat" that has accumulated over the years. This is worth praying for, as the majority of members of the consecrated life are well over the "retirement" age. There is not much time left to find "replacements." Prayer, sacrifice, encouragement and example can go a long way in planting the seeds that grace will bring to maturity. Join us religious today as we take a good look at ourselves, our past, the present and our future. Pray that we might live the calling we answered and serve as magnets for the young.
Bro. Rene