Founding a new religious association/order

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Esran

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Okay, I’m tossing around the idea of starting a new religious association/order thingy. How do I go about getting it approved, and who wants to join me? Membership is open to practically any practicing Catholic, unless they’re a member of something that bars them from joining anything else. Oh, and it includes people of all vocations.

Here is the preliminary constitution I’ve drawn up:

Constitution of the Union of Eden

Preamble: On Purpose

Seeing as how these latter days trouble the hearts of men with evils once nigh inconceivable, I thought it best to recommend a charism of a return to beginnings, an exodus to purity, a conquest of a promised land long forsaken, and indeed, a true reclamation of the very paradise of Eden. Thus, in praise of Jesus Christ, through the communion of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father, I hereby proclaim the following constitution of life for a new ascetic association of priests and of lay faithful both secular and religious.

Article I: On Identity

This association shall be called the Union of Eden, each member thereof an Edenite, and anything pertaining to the association Edenic; it shall have no formal governance save the goodwill of its participants in their uncompromising obedience to this constitution; which however, is not binding under fear of sin in those matters not pertaining to the duties of every Christian, but should rather be followed because of that love for God which drives out all fear.

Furthermore, to put transgression and Satan to flight, the motto of this association shall be Estote ergo vos perfecti, sicut et Pater vester cælestis perfectus est, or in the vernacular, Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect; to combat present wickedness and corruption, the slogan shall be Ab initio autem non fuit sic, or in the vernacular, But it was not so in the beginning; to guard against indifference and sloth, the law shall be strict adherence to the twelve principles of original innocence, which are honesty, loyalty, hospitality, congeniality, civility, benignity, servility, jocundity, poverty, intrepidity, purity, and piety; and to strengthen zeal and commitment, every Edenite shall recite daily as his oath, I solemnly pledge to God Almighty to do nothing from selfishness or conceit, to in humility count others better than myself, to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others, and in all things to have the mind of Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men; and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; therefore has God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, especially my own, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess, especially my own, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Thus do I take this grave oath to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, for therein lies the restoration of the ancient paradise for which I hope, Amen.

All the members of this association are henceforth admonished to inscribe the Edenic motto, slogan, law, and oath upon their hearts and also, if they desire, upon their clothing and belongings howsoever they see fit as long as the rules of meekness and reverence are observed. Moreover, they are to wear the symbol of the oak or apple tree on their persons, in conjunction with a Pardon Crucifix, to call to mind the tree of life from which they eat; they are to carry holy water on their persons both to bless and to call to mind the water of life from which they drink. Women should dress modestly and keep their hair relatively longer than men according to time, circumstance, and proper style, and they should also wear mantillas during private prayer and especially during public worship of any sort, for their kind has been made holy through the new Eve and that which is holy must be veiled, venerated above all things, and held in great esteem; men should dress modestly and keep their hair relatively shorter than women according to time, circumstance, and proper style, and they should also wear kippot during private prayer and especially during public worship of any sort, for the Spirit of God has hovered over their kind and pitched his tent among them. Lastly, Edenites may wear a white habit if they obtain prior approval from the proper ecclesiastical authorities.
 
Article II: On Prayer

In accordance with their name, Edenites must strive for that absolute perfection, even that original innocence, forfeited by Adam and Eve. Moreover, to attain to this unattainable summit of grace, they are to foster a special devotion to these aforementioned first parents of humanity, to Enoch who walked with God in profoundest simplicity and was taken up, to Elijah who rode a chariot of purifying flame and was taken up, to the new Eve who crushed the ancient serpent and was likewise taken up, and above all, to the new Adam who ascended to the tree of the cross so that all might be taken up through him.

To this end, Edenites should consecrate at least thirty minutes daily to prayer, whether it be vocal or mental, meditative or contemplative, and they should observe postures and gestures conducive to communion with their Lord. Futhermore, if they have not already done so, Edenites should consecrate their very persons to Jesus through Mary, the restorer and mediator of primordial grace, either using the method prescribed by St. Louis de Montfort or an acceptable method similar thereunto.

I do not advise long vigils or strenuous penances, but rather a sincerity and freedom of heart that lives prayer rather than merely saying prayer, for more merit is gained by a few words genuinely meant than a thousand said without care.

Also, Edenites are to meet frequently for communal worship, at which time the Akathist of Thanksgiving, in Praise of God’s Creation (the characteristic devotional of this association) should be recited, chanted, or sung, along with other prayers thought suitable to the occasion. Independently, each Edenite is to always have the Jesus Prayer beating within the deepest recesses of his soul in the hope that its rhythm might awaken the ancient harmony of the world and of man, making them both anew in Christ Jesus. If possible, Edenites should practice morning and evening prayer as well, so that united with the angels they may join the chorus of time and eternity.

Article III: On Discipline

Edenites are to integrate asceticism into their lives, to the best of their ability, in the following manner.

Edenites are to observe a perpetual fast from meat and fish, except on feast days or when it offends health or hospitality, for man’s consumption of the flesh of beasts was permitted because of the hardness of his heart, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to abstain from one meal, from activities of mere entertainment, and from sexual intercourse (if they are married) on all the traditional fasting days of the Church, for man has divorced pleasure from purpose, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are not oppress their wives but shall rule over their households with equity, for ever since his original sin mankind has subordinated womankind to himself in ways grievously offensive to charity, but it was not so in the beginning; wives are to respect the authority of their husbands, for womankind has been seduced by a will to power and ensnared by the cords of jealousy, but it was not so in the beginning; and parents are to rule their children sternly but kindly, for the twin serpents of laxity and tyranny vie for dominance within man’s spirit, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are to take pleasure in their work and ease the labors of others, for man is punished by the monotony he perceives in his toil, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to heal the wounds of others and bear sufferings with grace, for man spurns his pains as a curse, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are not to indulge undue curiosity, for the first fault of man was enthrallment to the dark powers of forbidden knowledge, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to combat ignorance, especially of the truths of religion, philosophy, and science, for man’s fallen mind is governed by demons of thick shadow, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are to foster a special devotion to those with child who are in distress, for the gods of this age are jealous and seek the blood of infants, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to care for God’s creation as a gentle gardener and benevolent tenet, for man has despoiled the earth with the pollution of his passions, but it was not so in the beginning.

If they are called, Edenites are to live in community having all things in common, for man has been enslaved by a false sense of autonomy, but it was not so in the beginning; and if they are called, they are to live as hermits, for man has been separated from God by an inordinate craving for the company of others, but it was not so in the beginning.

Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Conclusion: On Benediction

Bless those who curse you; bless, and do not curse, and bless those who despise you all the more. Pray for mercy, not justice; no one deserves what he truly deserves, and no mortal can withstand the fiery glare of the Lord’s vengeful eye. Finally, remember that the measure with which you mete shall be meted out to you in return, so practice leniency in all your judgments and generosity in all your dealings.

May the power and the glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, Amen.
 
Esran said:
Okay, I’m tossing around the idea of starting a new religious association/order thingy. How do I go about getting it approved, and who wants to join me?
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A new order must be approved by a bishop before it gets anywhere, and even there, it will need Vatican approval before it becomes an order. I suggest you speak with your parish priest or send a letter with the details to the Bishop. You will probably need some people to back you up as well; because as a founder, you must live a life of holiness. Once you do, people will follow you to Christ. With enough adherence, the Bishop might grant you an audience.

God bless,
Ben
 
There are several issues with these constitutions. This is not a criticism. It is what the Church will look for.
  1. You must explain the place of the association in the Church.
  2. You must profess obedience to the Church (Holy Father, local bishop and other legitimate ecclesial authority).
  3. The Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours must form part of the prayer life of any secular or religious institute.
  4. Since you are including priests and religious, you cannot bind them by any oath. Religious are already bound to their religious community. You have to explain that this is an association, not a religious institute or a secular order.
  5. Church law requires that all public associatioins of the faithful have a governance, a source of income, and pastoral plan.
  6. Any new public association must also be based on the decrees of Vatican II for public associations or secular orders. You have no mention of either Vatican II or the code of 1983.
  7. You must also include how this association differs from any other that already exists in the Church.
  8. Generally, constitutions are written at a general chapter of the association, not by the founder. The founder writes the guiding principles. This is usually a theological and spiritual document. The constitutions are a juridical document that governs the association. By law, that must be voted on by all the members who are entitled to vote. You may want to look at the statutes of the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa wrote the theological principals. The laws were enacted by the chapter.
I would also take out all the references to sin and evil. That kind of religious statute does not bode well with the Church. The idea of a public association must be to give glory to God, achieve the perfection of charity and the salvation of souls. I would put more of that theology into it. You may want to read the rules that are currently in use in the Catholic Church: Benedictine, Franciscan, Carmelite, Augustinian, Carthusian and Basilian (Eastern Churches). All religious statutes use them as models or reference points.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF 🙂
 
ble said:
A new order must be approved by a bishop before it gets anywhere, and even there, it will need Vatican approval before it becomes an order. I suggest you speak with your parish priest or send a letter with the details to the Bishop. You will probably need some people to back you up as well; because as a founder, you must live a life of holiness. Once you do, people will follow you to Christ. With enough adherence, the Bishop might grant you an audience.

God bless,
Ben
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Actually, the bishop can approve a public association, a secular institute or a religious congregation. It need not have approval of the Sacred Congregation for Consecrated Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life. That is only necessary for communities of Pontifical Right.

As to an order, you can only found an order if you follow one of the rules in the Church: Carmelite, Benedictine, Augustinian, Franciscan, Carthusian and Basilian. If you don’t want to use those rules, then you can found a congregation of simple vows, an apostolic association, a secular institute (not the same as a secular order), a public association of the faithful, a private association of the faithful, or a confraternity. These can be of either diocesan or pontifical right.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF 🙂
 
Um, wow. Okay. Lots of red tape.

Okay, so I’m thinking it’ll be a public association of the faithful, the way you’ve explained it. Or do you think it fits under a different category better? Anyway, I’m not sure I understand about the rule having to be composed by the entire community. And I’m also wary about removing references to sin and evil. I thought the very purpose of this sort of thing was to save souls and combat Satan?

Also, why is governance or fundraising needed if folks just try to live the rule in their own way and place? I can see the need for including a part about loyalty to the Pope and such, but still, shouldn’t this be already implied?
 
JReducation said:
Actually, the bishop can approve a public association, a secular institute or a religious congregation. It need not have approval of the Sacred Congregation for Consecrated Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life. That is only necessary for communities of Pontifical Right.

As to an order, you can only found an order if you follow one of the rules in the Church: Carmelite, Benedictine, Augustinian, Franciscan, Carthusian and Basilian. If you don’t want to use those rules, then you can found a congregation of simple vows, an apostolic association, a secular institute (not the same as a secular order), a public association of the faithful, a private association of the faithful, or a confraternity. These can be of either diocesan or pontifical right.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF 🙂
Click to expand...
I stand corrected.

Cheers,
Ben
 
Okay, I’ve talked with some folks, gathered feedback, and decided on a private association. Here is the revised constitution.

Constitution of the Union of Eden

Preamble: On Purpose

Seeing as how these latter days trouble the hearts of men with evils once nigh inconceivable, there is a pressing urgency for a charism of a return to beginnings, an exodus to purity, a conquest of a promised land long forsaken, and indeed, a true reclamation of the ancient paradise from which man fell; the time has come for the reestablishment of the original simplicity and power of the Gospel message, which consists of nothing less than the proclamation of a restored Eden wrought by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

Thus, loyalty to the Pope and Patriarchs, and above all, to the sacred and true Deposit of the Faith handed on once and for all by our Lord and his most venerable apostles, must be reaffirmed against the rampant disobedience of this darkest of ages; the laity and clergy must strive with all their might to open again the abandoned channels of praiseworthy traditions through which the life-giving waters of Holy Tradition once flowed with abundance; the rites of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and of the various churches that comprise her, must be purified of corruptions, restored to their rightful integrity, and given back their proper splendor which has so often been cast aside in the name of empty innovation, false restoration, ephemeral power, wicked ego, and the vanity of passing things. Amen, the Church must now shape the world as it did in the beginning, not the world shape the Church as it does now; the zeal, conviction, and authenticity of the first Christian disciples must be renewed forevermore.

But the only way to accomplish this noble endeavor is for individual men and women, one by one, to resolve in their hearts to return to the source of faith and life, to lead by example of outstanding holiness, and to recapture the original innocence of man, thereby becoming like little children so as to enter the Kingdom of Heaven—the restored Eden made more perfect, if it be possible, than it was before it was lost.

Thus, in praise of God the Son, through the communion of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father, the following constitution of life for a new, private, and ascetic association of priests and of lay faithful both secular and religious is hereby declared.

Article I: On Identity

This association shall be called the Union of Eden, each member thereof an Edenite, and anything pertaining to the association Edenic; it shall have no formal governance save the goodwill of its participants in their uncompromising obedience to this constitution; which however, is not binding under fear of sin in those matters not pertaining to the duties of every Christian, but should rather be followed because of that love for God which drives out all fear. If the need should arise though, this association shall be represented by its founder, by those he appoints, or by those the proper ecclesiastical authorities appoint. Also, the membership of this association, the organization of local gatherings thereof, and any conflicts that might result shall be monitored by the association’s founder, by those he appoints, or by those the proper ecclesiastical authorities appoint.
 
Furthermore, to put transgression and Satan to flight, the motto of this association shall be Estote ergo vos perfecti, sicut et Pater vester cælestis perfectus est, or in the vernacular, Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect; to combat present wickedness and corruption, the slogan shall be Ab initio autem non fuit sic, or in the vernacular, But it was not so in the beginning; to guard against indifference and sloth, the law shall be strict adherence to the twelve principles of original innocence, which are honesty, loyalty, hospitality, congeniality, civility, benignity, servility, jocundity, poverty, intrepidity, purity, and piety; and to strengthen zeal and commitment, every Edenite shall recite daily as his oath, I solemnly pledge to God Almighty to do nothing from selfishness or conceit, to in humility count others better than myself, to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others, and in all things to have the mind of Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men; and being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross; therefore has God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, especially my own, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess, especially my own, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Thus do I take this grave oath to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, for therein lies the restoration of the ancient paradise for which I hope, Amen.

All the members of this association are henceforth admonished to inscribe the Edenic motto, slogan, law, and oath upon their hearts and also, if they desire, upon their clothing and belongings howsoever they see fit as long as the rules of meekness and reverence are observed. Moreover, they are to wear the symbol of the oak or apple tree on their persons, in conjunction with a Pardon Crucifix, to call to mind the tree of life from which they eat; they are to carry holy water on their persons both to bless and to call to mind the water of life from which they drink. Women should dress modestly and keep their hair relatively longer than men according to time, circumstance, and proper style, and they should also wear mantillas during private prayer and especially during public worship of any sort, for their kind has been made holy through the new Eve and that which is holy must be veiled, venerated above all things, and held in great esteem; men should dress modestly and keep their hair relatively shorter than women according to time, circumstance, and proper style, and they should also wear kippot during private prayer and especially during public worship of any sort, for the Spirit of God has hovered over their kind and pitched his tent among them. Lastly, Edenites may wear a white habit if they obtain prior approval from the proper ecclesiastical authorities.

Article II: On Prayer

In accordance with their name, Edenites must strive for that absolute perfection, even that original innocence, forfeited by Adam and Eve. Moreover, to attain to this unattainable summit of grace, they are to foster a special devotion to these aforementioned first parents of humanity, to Enoch who walked with God in profoundest simplicity and was taken up, to Elijah who rode a chariot of purifying flame and was taken up, to the new Eve who crushed the ancient serpent and was likewise taken up, and above all, to the new Adam who ascended to the tree of the cross so that all might be taken up through him.

To this end, Edenites should consecrate at least thirty minutes daily to prayer, whether it be vocal or mental, meditative or contemplative, and they should observe postures and gestures conducive to communion with their Lord. Futhermore, if they have not already done so, Edenites should consecrate their very persons to Jesus through Mary, the restorer and mediator of primordial grace, either using the method prescribed by St. Louis de Montfort or a similarly acceptable method.

Long vigils and strenuous penances are not advised, but rather a sincerity and freedom of heart that lives prayer rather than merely saying prayer, for more merit is gained by a few words genuinely meant than a thousand said without care.

It goes without saying that Edenites are to assiduously observe the five precepts of the Church. Also, they are to meet frequently for communal worship among their own association, at which time the Akathist of Thanksgiving, in Praise of God’s Creation (the characteristic devotional of this association) should be recited, chanted, or sung, along with other prayers thought suitable to the occasion. Independently, each Edenite is to always have the Jesus Prayer beating within the deepest recesses of his soul in the hope that its rhythm might awaken the ancient harmony of the world and of man, making them both anew in Christ Jesus. If possible, Edenites should practice morning and evening prayer according to the Liturgy of the Hours of their respective rites as well, so that united with the angels in Heaven they may join the chorus of time and eternity.
 
Article III: On Discipline

Edenites are to integrate asceticism into their lives, to the best of their ability, in the following manner.

Edenites are to observe a perpetual fast from meat and fish, except on the traditional feast days of their respective rites or when it offends health or hospitality, for man’s consumption of the flesh of beasts was permitted because of the hardness of his heart, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to abstain from one meal, from activities of mere entertainment, and from sexual intercourse (if they are married) on all the traditional fasting days of their respective rites, for man has divorced pleasure from purpose, but it was not so in the beginning.

Husbands are not oppress their wives but shall rule over their households with equity, for ever since his original sin mankind has subordinated womankind to himself in ways grievously offensive to charity, but it was not so in the beginning; wives are to respect the authority of their husbands, for womankind has been seduced by a will to power and ensnared by the cords of jealousy, but it was not so in the beginning; and parents, priests, spiritual advisors, and those in authority are to rule their children sternly but kindly, for the twin serpents of laxity and tyranny vie for dominance within man’s spirit, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are to take pleasure in their work and ease the labors of others, for man is punished by the monotony he perceives in his toil, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to heal the wounds of others and bear sufferings with grace, for man spurns his pains as a curse, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are not to indulge undue curiosity, for the first fault of man was enthrallment to the dark powers of forbidden knowledge, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to combat ignorance, especially of the truths of religion, philosophy, and science, for man’s fallen mind is governed by demons of thick shadow, but it was not so in the beginning.

Edenites are to foster a special devotion to those with child who are in distress, for the gods of this age are jealous and seek the blood of infants, but it was not so in the beginning; and they are to care for God’s creation as a gentle gardener and benevolent tenet, for man has despoiled the earth with the pollution of his passions, but it was not so in the beginning.

If they are called, Edenites are to live in community having all things in common and abiding by a special and duly approved rule of life in addition to this constitution, for man has been enslaved by a false sense of autonomy, but it was not so in the beginning; and if they are called, they are to live as hermits abiding by a special and duly approved rule of life in addition to this constitution, for man has been separated from God by an inordinate craving for the company of others, but it was not so in the beginning.

Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Conclusion: On Benediction

Bless those who curse you; bless, and do not curse, and bless those who despise you all the more. Pray for mercy, not justice; no one deserves what he truly deserves, and no mortal can withstand the fiery glare of the Lord’s vengeful eye. Finally, remember that the measure with which you mete shall be meted out to you in return, so practice leniency in all your judgments and generosity in all your dealings. In this way, you shall attain to the gardens of paradise in the world to come.

May the power and the glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, Amen.
 
What you’re proposing is indeed a private association of the faithful, and a bishop can only recognize it, he cannot create one.

You might have the basis of a religious community coming out of this–it’s entirely possible that what you’ve created would eventually be a “third order” or lay associates of a religious community.

My suggestion is to create a website for this, then post the link. You can stay at private association of the faithful as long as you want. Don’t be in a hurry for a piece of paper, allow the charism (which is what this is) to grow, then, if the Spirit leads, the group can elect to petition the bishop for recognition.

The founders of emerging charisms with whom I work state at the get-go that they want to talk to the bishop first off. Bad idea. Bishops need to know what they are approving, and they are more likely to approve something that they see has positive results–growth in their personal relationship with Christ first and foremost. I tell the founders that if they have such a burning to go to the bishop, they should state their fidelity to Rome and the local ordinary in the first paragraph, then see if such burning subsides.

There’s private association of the faithful; public association of the faithful; and lay association of the faithful. If a group intends to become an institute of religious life, that is tacked on to the back of the first or second designation.

You can google either one of those designations, and a wonderful article by Archbishop Burke should come up in the results.

Here’s our group for founders: groups.yahoo.com/group/Founders_and_Friends/

HTH.

Blessings,
Cloisters
 
Thank you all for all your advice! I will look into getting a website, but for now I created a group on facebook to get feedback from my friends. I’ll also put it up on 4marks. You’re right, the Web is there so I should use it.

Do you all have any other advice for me?
 
Esran said:
Thank you all for all your advice! I will look into getting a website, but for now I created a group on facebook to get feedback from my friends. I’ll also put it up on 4marks. You’re right, the Web is there so I should use it.

Do you all have any other advice for me?
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I notice you’re Maronite. Is this association for all Catholic rites, or just Maronites?

Did you know about an emerging Maronite charism of religious sisters dedicated to Jesus the Light? You should be able to google it. Perhaps you could affiliate with her somehow.

All baptized Christians can wear the alb. This is not a habit, but it has been called the “habit of the laity.” We plan to use it with our “Discerner Practice” that we have developed.

HTH.

Blessings,
Cloisters
 
Dear Cloisters,

Yes, I am familiar with the emerging Maronite charism you mentioned. However, I feel that it would be best to make the private association open to all Catholics. Even though I am indeed Maronite, the four other people who have joined the association are Latin Catholics. I will definitely join the group for founders that you mentioned.
 
Speaking as a co-founder of a private/defacto lay association of the faithful, I have one good suggestion: baby steps. After you hone your rule/constitutions, pray that the Holy Spirit leads like minded people to you. Have a formation plan and engage the members, the optimum number would be four people. Then, choose a mission, something that your charism will accomplish in the world that doesn’t duplicate others and find at least one supportive priest. Having a member of the clergy in good standing to assist in advocating for you is important. Finally, after you have lived the life for about a year and can document good works (that includes weekly prayer meetings for a specific cause, making a presence for Catholic causes, etc.), then contact the Bishops office and ascertain their procedure. My spiritual adviser and priest told me that everyone starts somewhere, so don’t be put off by being “private” in the beginning. Prayer meetings and groups for spiritual enrichment are perfectly fine, but that is how you “start”. Keep praying, because if it is His Will, it will bear good fruit. All founders faced difficulties and often much ridicule, so remember, “…if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed are you!”
 
irisfromohio said:
Speaking as a co-founder of a private/defacto lay association of the faithful, I have one good suggestion: baby steps. After you hone your rule/constitutions, pray that the Holy Spirit leads like minded people to you. Have a formation plan and engage the members, the optimum number would be four people. Then, choose a mission, something that your charism will accomplish in the world that doesn’t duplicate others and find at least one supportive priest. Having a member of the clergy in good standing to assist in advocating for you is important. Finally, after you have lived the life for about a year and can document good works (that includes weekly prayer meetings for a specific cause, making a presence for Catholic causes, etc.), then contact the Bishops office and ascertain their procedure. My spiritual adviser and priest told me that everyone starts somewhere, so don’t be put off by being “private” in the beginning. Prayer meetings and groups for spiritual enrichment are perfectly fine, but that is how you “start”. Keep praying, because if it is His Will, it will bear good fruit. All founders faced difficulties and often much ridicule, so remember, “…if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed are you!”
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This is an excellent suggestion. 👍 👍

Br. JR, OSF 🙂
 
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