Religious Orders

This offering for the Year of Consecrated Life explores the place of the Religious Brother within the Church-Communion. Following the three dimensions within which the Church-Communion presents itself, this latest document from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life develops the identity of the Brother as a mystery of communion for mission. At the centre of this triple perspective lies the heart of the identity of the Religious Brother – namely ‘fraternity’, which is a gift that is received (mystery), a gift that is shared (communion) and a gift that is given away (mission). The text concludes with some guidelines so that in every part of the world and in every community, each Religious Brother may respond to the question: How can we be Brothers today? As well as Religious Brothers, this document is also directed to the laity, religious priests, diocesan priests, bishops and all those who want to know about, appreciate and promote the voc..

Fifty years after the Vatican Council’s Decree on the Renewal of Religious Life (Perfectae Caritatis, 1965), the Church reflects on the great force for evangelisation that lies with today’s consecrated men and women. Such witness - love for God and neighbour, love of the cross and the hope of future glory - speaks to the far corners of today’s world and is to be greatly valued. Proclaim continues the reflection which began in the Letters Rejoice, Keep Watch and Contemplate so that the insights of the Year of Consecrated Life may continue to bear fruit...