Foundations of Religious Life

by Counc. of Maj. Superiors Women Religious

Overview

As traditional orders of women religious continue to grow and attract larger numbers of young members, this timely collection of foundational articles explores the spiritual and theological basis of this renewal.

In keeping with the vision set forth in Vatican II, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious has maintained a more traditional form of religious life. While most religious orders are now facing marked decline in novitiates and the aging of their members, the communities of the CMSWR are experiencing growth on a worldwide scale.

In this visionary manifesto, the CMSWR articulates a vision for the future of women religious, suggesting that their commitment to a more radical gospel-based life and ministry is what attracts young women to religious life.

The contributors explain the historical and theological significance of religious consecration, the spousal bond, the vow of chastity, and living in communion.

This concise outline of traditional religious life is ideal reading for sisters as well as priests already in religious orders, and for those interested in the shift taking place in the different expressions of religious life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594711985
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	05/01/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious in the USA, in union with the Holy Father and assisted by the Bishops of the United States, wish to support one another mutually in preserving the gift of their respective vocations and in progressing "still more in the life in which God has called them..." (LG n. 47).

Table of Contents

Foreword Cardinal Justin Rigali viii

Introduction 1

Acknowlegments 11

1 Religious Consecration-A Particular Form of Consecrated Life Mother Agnes Mary Donovan Sister Mary Elizabeth Wusinich 15

2 The Spousal Bond Sister Paula Jean Miller 47

3 The Threefold Response of the Vows Sister Mary Dominic Pitts 85

4 Communion in Community Sister Mary Prudence Allen 113

5 Evangelical Mission Sister M. Maximilia Um 157

Conclusion Sister Mary Judith O'Brien Sister Mary Nika Schaumber 177

Notes 210

Bibliography 234

Contributors 243