Consecrated Religious Life of Women
Whether sister or nun, those persons whom God calls to live the vocation of consecrated religious life responds to a call of living the life of Christ. While their expression of this life may differ depending upon their gender, community, charism, and apostolic work, in essence they have been called to give their life to Christ in service to his Church. No one job or career defines the life or work of the man or woman who discern this vocation. More aptly, the defining character is their witness of joy and holiness they gain through Christ’s love.
Sharing in the intimate life of Christ as bride to the bridegroom, the sister is sign to the world that God is love. In consecrating her life to Christ, she lives vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She has given her life entirely to the Lord so that he may draw her deeper into a love relationship.
Often times, sisters live in community. Together they draw strength and support for their life of sacrifice and service. They are bound together by a deep desire to live as Christ, thus being a witness to the world that the Lord is present. While each community models themselves after a particular spiritual leader, charism, and service to the church, all communities seek to give a face to the person of Christ in the modern world.
Chaste Married Life
The vocation that most people discern is the sacramental union of marriage. In this sacrament, man and woman commit themselves to each other and to God until death parts them. Their two lives become one and in essence reflects both the image of the trinity and the church. During the wedding ceremony, they seek the Christ’s blessing upon their love for each other and publicly seal their promise to live together in intimacy, love, and faithfulness.
The embodiment of the married couple’s love is a child; the fruit of their physical and spiritual unity. A child is God’s gift and blessing to the marriage. It should be cherished and welcomed into a loving environment. Sometimes, although they desire children, couples are unable to have children. This does not mean that God does not bless them or that weren’t listening correctly in their discernment of their vocation. God might be calling them to be a witness to the vocation in other ways.
Managing a household; guiding, educating, and providing for their children; and meeting their own spiritual, intellectual, and social needs calls forth the very best in each couple. A deep faith in God’s love for them is the foundation of a married couple’s life. Their faith is expressed through prayer, devotion, and service to their family, church, and community. Faith gives them greater wisdom, patience, and hope when the inevitable struggles occur and more intense joy when they celebrate the blessings that God has given them.
