September 17, 2006
First Vows
Today three of our sisters are making their first vows: Sister Mairead Marie of the Good Shepherd, Sister Elizabeth Marie of the Child Jesus, and Sister Catherine Mary of the Holy Trinity. This is an opportunity not only to salute our sisters, but also to speak about the new growth in women’s vocations. After the tremendous decline of vocations in the 1970s and 1980s, it’s wonderful to see young women of faith, intelligence, and talent coming in substantial numbers to traditional religious communities. I could easily mention ten communities of sisters I know who are growing unexpectedly in numbers.
It gives us so much joy to see this happening that perhaps we will not stop to ask why it is happening. Obviously it is the grace of God, but it also represents the thinking of our time. Despite poor religious education, scandal, and bad example, these young people are seeking the opportunity to serve the Lord and to take care of their brothers and sisters in Christ.
We need to encourage vocations to thriving religious communities, many of which, like our own, are brand-new. It’s important that we recognize that the new communities all observe the traditions of religious life, including the wearing of the habit, living together, working together, and praying together. The observance of the vows and enthusiasm are all part of the prescription for recovery. Recently a superior of a declining order of men asked me what we are doing to grow, and I said in my best Jersey City voice, “We follow da book.”
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
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