The Joy of Consecrated Life
“In the world there is often a lack of joy. We are not called to accomplish epic feats
or to proclaim high-sounding words, but to give witness to the joy that arises
from the certainty of knowing we are loved, from the confidence that we are saved”
- Pope Francis (Rejoice!, n. 3)
In July 2014, Pope Francis went for lunch at the Generalate of the Jesuits. As I reviewed the pictures from his visit, joy and happiness are very evident. He appears very comfortable and relaxed with them, even though he may not know them well individually. Why is he comfortable? As a member of a religious community, I think that I can venture an answer. He is among those who shared a similar formation as he did as a member of the Society of Jesus. Technically, he formally ended his time as a Jesuit when he became a bishop. Bishops cannot be under the authority of the superior of a religious community. They can, though, ask to continue to use the religious initials of their community as well as wear the habit. Cardinal O’Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, continues to use the initials of the religious community that he came from, the Capuchin Franciscans, as well as wear the habit. Many religious communities even officially continue to count bishops among their membership. Some might think this strange, but the reality is that once a person is part of a religious community, it is part of who that person is and how the person approaches God, life, ministry.
When you share a common formation
and lifestyle from a relatively young age,
that formation does not simply go away.
It is a lifestyle that one freely chooses
and it forms and informs the person.
Once committed to, consecrated life
(CCC, n. 913-933) is not something that
can easily be cast aside. Even those who
have left religious communities often
continue to live the spirituality of that
community as a single or married person
or diocesan priest. I have seen it time
and time again.
I made my First Consecration of Promises as a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers) over twenty-five years ago. Our six promises of poverty, chastity, obedience, sharing of resources, spirit of service, and perseverance have provided me with a way, within the context of our community life, to live the charity of Christ. I make no claim to live it perfectly, but I try to live it as authentically as possible. The way that I live more authentically is through the assistance of the members of my community who “urge me on” to live more fully in Christ’s love.
Please join me in praying for those in consecrated life!