Mercy

The religious state is not 'a kind of middle way between the clerical and lay conditions of life' but comes from both as a 'special gift' for the entire Church (Lumen Gentium, #43).

It consists in following Christ by a public profession of evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, in community life, with a firm will to remove all obstacles 'likely to draw him away from the fervor of chastity and the perfection of divine worship' (LG 44). A religious (brother) is 'totally dedicated to God, his supreme love, and is committed to the honor and service of God under a new and special title' (LG 44). This 'unites the religious to the Church and her mystery in a special way' and urges him to act with undivided dedication for the good of the entire Body (LG 44).

It follows that religious life is a special way of sharing in the sacramental nature of the people of God. The consecration of those who make profession of religious vows has for one of its main purposes to offer to the world a visible witness of the unfathomable mystery of Christ, in so far as, in them, Christ is shown 'contemplating on the mountain, announcing God's kingdom to the multitudes, healing the sick and maimed, converting sinners to a good life, blessing children, doing good to all and always obeying the will of the Father who sent Him' (LG 46).