Religious men and women are witnesses to God's love, mercy and forgiveness

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Most Reverend Michael Mulvey is bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

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Before the Diocese of Corpus Christi was established, religious men and women were present in this area of south Texas evangelizing in very poor and dire conditions. The presence of these heroic men and women has been the foundation of the faith in the life of the Church for more than 200 years.

On Oct. 28, 1965, Blessed Paul VI signed the decree, Perfectae Caritatis, the Second Vatican Council's "Decree on the Renewal of Religious Life in the Church." This decree outlines five specific areas in which men and women in religious life can renew themselves within the life of the Church.

First, that those in consecrated life that have received this call of renewal see in Christ Jesus and His Gospel their supreme rule. Second, that they realize the beauty of their unique charism which their founder or foundress was inspired to offer as a gift to strengthen the life of the Church. They should return to the original beauty of that charism and remain faithful to the original inspiration of their founder.

Third, they should also understand that they are an integral part of and share in the life of the Church. Fourth, they should join the whole Church in understanding and remaining close to the realities of today's society.

Finally, above all they should renew themselves in the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience and live those vows in the community in which they are professed as not only individual witnesses, but witnesses together as a community.

These five principles for living religious life are what constantly inspire those who are already professed and those who are presently seeking their vocation to follow.

In these present times, the Church must attend to another aspect of our faith life. As we continue to explore the call to the New Evangelization, I recognize with you that religious women and men play a vital role in our efforts.

This call-a call to all of us from the Holy Spirit-summons us to come together in a communion, which we name Church; to work together for the renewal of our Catholic faith; and to spread the Gospel throughout our society. By their service in education, social outreach and medical care, today's religious are vital instruments of this effort.

In a society starving for expressions of healthy and life-giving relationships, we can look to communities of religious men and women to be witnesses to God's love, mercy and forgiveness brought to us through Jesus Christ. If each one of us in the diocese took a moment to review our own faith journey, I think that most of us could point to a religious priest, brother or sister, or perhaps all three as playing some inspirational role in our faith journey.

Two religious women were part of my family. Religious sisters taught me from grammar school to college. Religious priests and brothers were also instrumental in my education as well as my vocation.

As we recognize and honor the men and women who have professed themselves in a closer adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and committed themselves to follow him more perfectly in charity, we give thanks for their vocation and for the witness that they give to us and to the society around us.

Let us give them–during this year and always–our appreciation and our love. Let us thank God for the many charisms rooted in the inspiration of their founders. Let us support them in the continued renewal that brings a fuller life to the Church in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

My consecrated sisters, brothers and priests, thank you; thank you, for your presence today and for the inspiration and the dedicated ministry that you have given, give, and will give far into the future.

May God's blessing be upon each one of you and your communities, especially during this Year for Consecrated Life.