|
As apostolic
religious, we share in the missionary life of the church. We are
called to spread and strengthen the faith by what we say, what we are
and what we do. (Constitutions art. 84)
We are at the
service of the Kingdom, sent to further God's dream of making the
human race into the family of God. Following the example of the first
disciples of Jesus, we want to be apostles in word, action and
presence, creators of unity and signs of communion.
We rely on the
faithfulness of God who meets us in everyday life. That is where we
are called to be prophetic communities by means of an authentic life
nourished by the word and the Eucharist, by a simple presence, and by
our preferential option for the poor.
Our community
life, like that of Nazareth, is based on mutual acceptance, love and
simple service.
The vow of
obedience embraces all we do and are and shapes our heart which finds
its joy in doing the Father's will. Like the Holy Family, we seek the
will of God in prayer and discernment, listening and waiting in our
personal and community lives.
Our vows free us
so that the whole of our life may be apostolic, "a total
offering to God for his glory and the salvation of the world".
The vow of
chastity shows our preferential love for Christ and our desire to
place all our powers of loving at his service.
The vow of poverty
invites us to follow the poor Christ in his dependence on the Father
and his preference for the poor and lowly. |
 |
