"My Question Is..."

[JReducation]

I have this case. A woman who longs and can only find fulfillment in life by being a religious sister is paying her debts for many years. My question is: if she is indeed called by God and she felt really called why would she be in such obstacle that would make her suffer spiritually and physically? This debt is not forever, she could still be a sister one day but why would the call fall too early why not after so she wont be able to suffer much, some might acquire illness that would put end to their dreams. Is this some kind of test or this is the will of God? To try reaching the dream but in the end never reached it. I’m just wondering…

I believe that the best way to answer this is by referring back to what has been the practice of the Church for centuries. Not everyone who feels called to the consecrated life is truly called. The confirmation that one is called comes through the Church. When the Church admits a woman to a religious congregation, then she knows that she has been called. Until then, it’s just her belief. She should pursue that belief. She should apply for admission, if and when it’s possible. If it’s impossible to be admitted, there is the answer. There is no call. The Church confirms the call. There is a difference between a call and a desire.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[TiggerS]

I have this case. A woman who longs and can only find fulfillment in life by being a religious sister is paying her debts for many years. My question is: if she is indeed called by God and she felt really called why would she be in such obstacle that would make her suffer spiritually and physically? This debt is not forever, she could still be a sister one day but why would the call fall too early why not after so she wont be able to suffer much, some might acquire illness that would put end to their dreams. Is this some kind of test or this is the will of God? To try reaching the dream but in the end never reached it. I’m just wondering…

I think probably nowadays the majority of religious orders are seeking those with some maturity including spiritual maturity.
What lay at the basis of the desire to enter religious life? - is it what the person wants to do with their lives(personal desire), or what God may want them to do with their lives (e.g.religious vocation). Presence of debt and perhaps ill health can be an indication that God is not calling to religious life, at this particular time anyway, since one need be free of debt (in most all instances I understand) and also good health (there may be other conditions) to be accepted into religious life and if God is calling one to religious life, one can be very assured that God will provide all that is necessary, and one will be able to meet any necessary conditions of a particular religious order. I dont think that a person should lightly give up, however, we do have instances in the lives of our saints where seminary or religious order turned them down - for them to go on to become indeed a priest or religious and a saint.
There is no Christ without His Cross somewhere in life - sometimes The Cross is not all that heavy compared to others perhaps, sometimes for many indeed it is very heavy and far more heavier than personal frustration of personal desire. The why of things, including God’s Will, can very often be a great mystery and God is Ultimate Mystery - perhaps we will have some understanding of “why’s” in Heaven - until then, in God we trust. Sometimes we can want to go through life and never experience The Cross and personal suffering and with our treasure thus laid up for us in Heaven. When The Cross comes along, we do not understand, nor the why of it all - we are not alone for sure. But in God we trust.

TS

 

[Tota_pulchra_es]

I had a few questions:

First, are men and women called to religious life in the same way that men are called to the priesthood? Or is the call to consecrated life simply an invitation, and the call to the priesthood is more direct and insistent?

My second question is what is the best way to discern? How long should one discern? Can someone who is still single get to a point where he can definitely know he is not called to the priesthood or consecrated life, or is the possibility always there until he finds someone to get married to?

Thanks!

 

[JReducation]

I had a few questions:

First, are men and women called to religious life in the same way that men are called to the priesthood? Or is the call to consecrated life simply an invitation, and the call to the priesthood is more direct and insistent?

Whether the call is to the consecrated life or to Holy Orders or both, it is never insistent. God does not demand, he invites. He will use whatever it takes to get our attention. That varies from person to person.

My second question is what is the best way to discern?

It is best when done with the guidance of a spiritual master and always with prayer and the Eucharist. If you can find a good spiritual director, that helps. Try contacting and visiting the religious communities that attract your attention. We don’t charge for contacting us or a visit.

How long should one discern?

Until you find peace.

Can someone who is still single get to a point where he can definitely know he is not called to the priesthood or consecrated life, or is the possibility always there until he finds someone to get married to?
Thanks!

Definitely. There are many single people who know that the religious life and Holy Orders are not for them. I always say that the best sign that we are doing God’s will is when we experience peace where we are and we are producing act of charity.

I hope this helps, even just a little.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Tota_pulchra_es]

Do consecrated single people take perpetual vows or just temporary vows? Or does it just depend?

 

[JReducation]

Do consecrated single people take perpetual vows or just temporary vows? Or does it just depend?

It depends on the consecration. Some people consecrate themselves through private vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. Women can be consecrated virgins. People can be diocesan hermits. None of these folks are members of canonical religious institutes, but they are consecrated people.

There are specific rules in Canon Law for this. If you go to www.vatican.va you can look up Canon Law and read on the consecrated life, vows and other forms of consecration. They have better answers than I can give you.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF