Celebrating Consecrated Life: The gift in action

What is the “fruit” that verifies a disciple’s relationship with the Lord? It is the desire to be of service to others. This personal desire is expressed in both enduring dedication and a variety of spontaneous offers of help.

Those in consecrated life have the additional aspect of a congregational commitment, which compels and supports them in their life-long focus, and often extends their effectiveness beyond the scope of daily efforts.

Historically, every religious congregation was founded with a specific mission in mind. Through this “good work” its members were able to join together to bring Christ’s loving attention to those in need.

During the monastic period of religious life, the dynamic was simple: “We are here; come to us so we can serve you.” And the people did come.

They came for medical treatment, food and clothing. They came for instruction in the faith, spiritual counsel and comfort. They came to request prayer and spiritual support. They came for education in literacy as well as the arts and sciences of the day—presently called vocational training.

Catechetical ministry, educational efforts, health care, attention to the destitute and marginalized—the desire to serve in these basic areas of concern have remained. Through the centuries the range of these services has expanded to include a greater number of practical endeavors.

During the more recent apostolic period of religious life, new congregations answered the ancient call in new ways. Apostolic orders are so named because—instead of waiting for the people in need to come to them—they go out to find the needy in their own settings. And in doing so, they have often recognized more possibilities in a particular area of service. As a result, aspects and elements in each major area of ministry have expanded.

Teaching catechism now includes religious teaching or administering in Catholic schools, parish programs and university and seminary campuses. Health care efforts of religious extend from the not-yet-born to those facing end-of-life issues; addresses both physical and psychological conditions.

Attention to the destitute and those on the fringes of society has propelled religious into the streets and refugee camps; into political action and economic advocacy; into public demonstrations and testimony before state, national and international government agencies. All situations and endeavors their founders probably never dreamed of—and yet would heartily approve as necessary today.

Simple efforts to educate, nurse and care-for have developed into national and sometimes international systems. Current societal considerations, governmental requirements and financial practices must be observed or taken into consideration. Proper professional and theological preparation of religious for today’s needs is also a concern. Such are some of the considerations that affect the mission and ministry of today’s religious preparing for service.

Just as the appearances and some practices of each ministry have undergone change, so—in many cases—has the appearance of those serving in those ministries. Yet, their commitment has not wavered. Decisions have been made and paths are being pursued because of their desire to follow the Christ who has called them to serve.

Moreover, these apostolic congregations do not stand-alone. They have always been accompanied and supported by those religious communities whose mission focuses on providing spiritual support for others through prayer and spiritual counsel, religious communities wielding the power of prayer for others and religious communities addressing the basic, practical needs of others. Such are the means by which consecrated women and men share their gift with the Church, indeed, the whole world.