Traditional practices 08/16/2009
A recent article on the CNS website highlighted the distressing state of religious vocations in the US. It stated that 75% of men and 90 of women in religious orders are over the age of 60. Within 10-20 years these religious orders will either die out or be left with empty convents and no one to tend to their apostolates.
Here is an interesting quote from the article:
"Though the numbers in religious orders may be decreasing, the study found that new members are passionate about religious life and that men's and women's communities following more traditional practices have better success attracting younger members today." (emphasis mine) http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903603.htm
In this simple statement is something to really ponder, what is it about the "traditional practices" that attract these younger members? Could it be that these traditional practices are actually those that will assist these young and idealistic youths to achieve their goals of sanctity? Could it be that these traditional practices are those acts that bring about a more peace-filled soul and thus allow a person the freedom to fully embrace their religious life and identity?
Live Devout is dedicated to these "traditional practices" because we know that these practices have been practiced and handed down by the multitude of saints over the past 2000 years. Such greats as St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Margaret Mary, St. Catherine, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, St. Therese, and St. Pio would not be what they are today without a firm grasp on these traditional practices, namely of prayer and penance.
As a married person, I often reflect on my own call to sanctity through matrimony. In this also, I must commit myself to the "traditional practices" of marriage. These are those great graces that God has given to us through our roles as husband and father, wife and mother. While some religious orders have reverted to their pre-Vatican II habits, so must men and women return to more traditional and modest clothing. While nuns and monks return to an horarium more full of time for prayer, we must do our part to ensure we are becoming men and women of prayer, even within our secular duties. And as many religious seek to return to a traditional understanding of their founder's charism and rule, we must seek to understand the traditional teachings of the Church on our incredible roles and responsibilities as fathers, mothers, and spouses.
If married persons can embrace the "traditional practices" of matrimony, I am sure we will see a new renewal in married life as well as vocations to religious life. Let us all embrace these traditional practices - and Live Devout!
Here is an interesting quote from the article:
"Though the numbers in religious orders may be decreasing, the study found that new members are passionate about religious life and that men's and women's communities following more traditional practices have better success attracting younger members today." (emphasis mine) http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0903603.htm
In this simple statement is something to really ponder, what is it about the "traditional practices" that attract these younger members? Could it be that these traditional practices are actually those that will assist these young and idealistic youths to achieve their goals of sanctity? Could it be that these traditional practices are those acts that bring about a more peace-filled soul and thus allow a person the freedom to fully embrace their religious life and identity?
Live Devout is dedicated to these "traditional practices" because we know that these practices have been practiced and handed down by the multitude of saints over the past 2000 years. Such greats as St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Margaret Mary, St. Catherine, St. Francis, St. Ignatius, St. Therese, and St. Pio would not be what they are today without a firm grasp on these traditional practices, namely of prayer and penance.
As a married person, I often reflect on my own call to sanctity through matrimony. In this also, I must commit myself to the "traditional practices" of marriage. These are those great graces that God has given to us through our roles as husband and father, wife and mother. While some religious orders have reverted to their pre-Vatican II habits, so must men and women return to more traditional and modest clothing. While nuns and monks return to an horarium more full of time for prayer, we must do our part to ensure we are becoming men and women of prayer, even within our secular duties. And as many religious seek to return to a traditional understanding of their founder's charism and rule, we must seek to understand the traditional teachings of the Church on our incredible roles and responsibilities as fathers, mothers, and spouses.
If married persons can embrace the "traditional practices" of matrimony, I am sure we will see a new renewal in married life as well as vocations to religious life. Let us all embrace these traditional practices - and Live Devout!
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