the future of sisterhood

Barbara Linke, SSND

A classic definition of religious life is that it is meant to be a prophetic witness in the Church to the coming of the Reign of God – the life to come – the KIN-DOM. We, as religious, are not part of the hierarchical Church, but are part of the laity called through our vowed life to be a living sign that there is more to life than power, pleasure and possessions – that for all of us, our journey through life in this world is one of coming back to God and of becoming more deeply one with God. We as religious are called to assist the world to make this journey, and we are called to do it with open eyes and a very compassionate heart. Hence, the public vows of Gospel Poverty, Celibate Chastity and Apostolic Obedience are given to us as a way of assisting us in being the prophetic witnesses that we are called to be.

Poverty calls us to share all that we have with one another in community and with others, especially with those who are most in need. This vow is what calls us to be advocates for the poor and to speak out against injustices.

Chastity calls us to a unique way of loving, and it is the vow that is probably the most distinctive when trying to define religious life. The vow of celibacy is a way of living that is spiritually and psychologically challenging. It is deeply rooted in prayer and contemplation and calls us to reach out to others with genuine human affection that embraces all and is not exclusive.

Obedience call us to LISTEN – to be discerning

• first of all as individuals, as we are aware of the movement and direction of God’s Spirit within each of us personally
• then also as we search together with one another in community and with our leadership for the will of God in a variety of situations
• and finally it calls us to then be willing to take risks when necessary to speak the truth together for the good of the whole.

We live in community with one another where we share prayer and life and receive the support needed to live this public vowed life and to be witnesses of the all-embracing love of God for the world.

So, religious life is not a private call. It is a public commitment, meant to further the mission of Jesus and to serve a need. In this country 200 years ago as immigrants came and the Church was expanding, there was a great need for education, healthcare, social services and pastoral care, and religious women rose to meet those needs. Over the years we have continued to observe what is going on in the Church and world around us. Today it seems that religious life is needed for more than just the work that we have done in the past. Perhaps at no other time in history has our world needed communities who choose to live contemplatively, recognizing that our thoughts, actions, choices and relationships affect the whole of the planet. Religious life at its best brings together seekers and dreamers and imaginative individuals and provides a space where we can vision and act together. Companionship and support are needed for this to happen. Deep and prayerful sharing of dreams and visions significantly increases the communal potential to make a difference in the world. So, we religious women see as central to our call, lives of prayer, community and service for the sake of the Mission of Jesus – the coming of the Reign of God.

Being a religious is a call from God, rooted in Baptism, and meant to compliment the life of other members of the Christian community, just as their manner of following Christ support and challenges our own. Together we continue Christ’s mission. Being a religious provides an opportunity and a challenge to pray more and to pray more deeply, to share a love and concern for all of God’s people and for the whole of creation, and to listen to God with and for others. It is a call from God that lived honestly and faithfully, will continue to grow and develop and draw new members for the life of the Church and the world.