Day of Consecrated Life
02 Feb 2010
Today, 2nd February, the Church celebrates the Day of Consecrated Life. Thirteen years after establishing it by John Paul II, still it is interpreted as the feast of religious men and women only. In actual fact in recent years the number of consecrated lay virgins and widows is growing. More active are also consecrated men who belong to lay institutes. They (men and women) are specific persons, who individually fulfill their vocation of consecrated life, however in the world, or even as hermits. Their “idea” for life meets with an interest, though it is much easier to meet on the street a nun or a brother and to know that way of life.
The early Christian life style of consecrated lay virgins and widows slowly comes back to life in our times, especially in Europe, where the Church “is dying”, as many may say. The widows vow he life of chastity, so “to love Christ more and to help the neighbour more effectively”. According o their status they should live the life of penance, charity, apostolate and prayer. The consecrated widows live individually in the world, not belonging to any structures of the common life, like nuns. Their community is a diocesan Church.
Also the consecrated virgins are growing in the world. Also their community is a diocesan Church, where they undergo spiritual formation, and take various apostolates and activities. Their style of life may not be understood in the world, but they want to live only for Christ, and to love Him more.
The common fact that unites various forms of life offered to the Lord is consecration, making vows of chastity, and depends on the specific form, also vows of obedience and poverty. That’s why consecrated people are religious sisters and brothers (also religious priests), but also members of lay institutes (lay consecrated people), then consecrated virgins and widows and hermits. The most important mission of the consecrated people are not projects or apostolate, but realization in the world the presence of Chris Himself, through self witness.
|
|
home page
