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What Are Women Seeking in Religious Life Today? |
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Research in current vocation literature indicates that what BVMs ordinarily sought in religious life years ago is still basic to the call of young women now. Our backgrounds and societal patterns were very different, but the same Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of today’s women who are searching for meaning and commitment, and are looking at options which include religious life. Some women shared their stories of call, risk and faith with us during the most recent “Come and See” weekend at our Mt. Carmel Motherhouse in November. Six women from diverse backgrounds attended the weekend and shared what was stirring in their hearts. The ages of the women ranged from early 20s to mid-30s. Asked what attracted them to religious life, each referred to an experience of God’s presence in their lives modeled by their families or by other friends. They are looking for commitment to the poor, and a supportive, prayerful environment in which to come to know God in a deeper and more intimate way. What Attracts Young Women to Religious Life Today? Two young Catholic women in discernment about life options in today’s world explain: “I think when young people my age look into religious life, they’re searching for something that looks nothing like the world they live in…We want to be challenged and transformed. We want to be like Jesus. His life and the lives of his apostles were radical. They gave up everything… for the sake of the kingdom. We’re tired of compromise… Young people want something worth giving their lives for.” Rita Witczak, 27 1 “In choosing a vocation I would look for witness in action, and a non-judgmental love for all peoples that is rooted in the Scripture’s teachings. The 20-somethings I know are looking for a true sense of service and faith, manifested through action for those who present themselves in need. “In looking for community, I would search out one that supports diversity of thought, call and prayer style. Most of all, I would hope the focus of community would be on Christ and his real presence in all those we meet in this world.” Ruth Ann Leidorf, 26 2 How Do We Encourage Women to Consider Religious Life? Historian and BVM Ann Harrington in her recent book Creating Community: Mary Frances Clarke and Her Companions includes a quote about BVM membership in the 1860s: “It becomes clear that women now came to the community after meeting the sisters through the schools they conducted, through the parish, by their reputation in the area or through family ties…”3 Today interested women learn about specific communities as they did long ago and in new ways. They go to websites on the internet, they notice ads or brochures, they initiate contacts with Sisters. Sisters are pro-active, with the BVM Initial Membership team and committee offering ideas to all community members for ways to share our life with seekers. Like Jesus, BVMs get asked, “Where do you live?” and our answer is like his, “Come and see.” A contemporary “Come and See” experience may include invitations to dinner and prayer with a local group, or a special event where BVMs live and minister. Family members and friends of women pondering religious life may have many questions and concerns about the viable future of a religious community. Those who support a woman who begins a life commitment as a vowed religious are risking in love and faith, too. Perhaps a “Come and See” experience would expand their awareness of the vitality of Sisters in community today. To ponder the attraction to religious life raises these questions for me personally:
Endnotes:
About the author: Theresa Marie Gleeson, BVM (Dorothy) and Kathleen Mullin, BVM (Robert Mary) are Initial Membership Coordinators for the BVM congregation. Return
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