On November 30, 2014, the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year, Pope Francis has declared this coming year as one dedicated to Consecrated Life.
What does this mean? It probably means many things. First of all Pope Frances calls all women and men in Consecrated Life (those who are vowed members of religious congregations and orders) to “wake up the world! Be witnesses to a different way of doing things, of acting, of living!” This is made possible through the partnership and unity with others who are living out their particular and personal call from God in love, justice and fidelity. Some may think that this year does not pertain to them. I would like to suggest just the opposite. This special year invites:
- Women and men in consecrated life (sisters, brothers, and priests who are members of religious communities and others who are consecrated by vows like those made by religious) to re-examine and renew their commitment to this way of living.
- The whole church to express their appreciation and thanksgiving for the lives of service and witness of religious.
- To the next generation of young people who are Catholic “to be courageous” in the words of Pope Francis, “to wake up the world to a different way of doing things, of acting, of living!” through considering a call and commitment to religious life.
Many do not even consider such a way of life because they do not understand who we are. As someone who has lived in a religious community for more than 40 years, lived through the many changes in our world, in our Church and in our community, we have a rich, full and exciting life, offering many opportunities to work with others to make our world better for all. It is as challenging a way of live, as any. Religious life has offered me many opportunities that alone, I would not have had.
I live with women from many walks of life, many professional backgrounds, and diverse life experiences. Sometimes our conversations together evolve into new ideas that give birth to new projects. We do not work alone, but seek out others who share our values to make a difference. Let me give you one small example. A Sister in her eighties, was concerned about the many refugees as a result of the conflict in Iraq and Syria. In watching the news each night she was moved to do something. As we talked, along with others, we found a way to bring a family from one of the camps to settle in Canada. It does not matter if this family is Christian, Muslim, or any other faith. Everyone has a right to live in dignity. This is more than finding some money to do this. It also means calling many others to help welcome them—find a home for them, help them get appropriate clothing, help them with learning English, public transit, and a host of other things. It also means reaching out to many others to accomplish this. She thought it would be one small effort in what Francis wants us to express this year—showing a different way of doing things. This woman understands what our life is about. I hope she, and many of us are a little more awake, because of this way of acting.
Joan Atkinson, CSJ
Sister Laura Bufano, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, answers "What is the source of your joy in religious life?" and "What keeps you going as a religious sister?"