Ahead of the World Day for Consecrated Life 2 February—an observance that was instituted in 1997 by St John Paul II, and that is attached to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord—OSV News spoke with Father Jorge Torres, executive director of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life And Vocations.
Father Torres said that at its core, consecrated life is “living to their fullness our baptismal promises,” and allowing the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience “guide you throughout your life in community.”
Whether serving in active or contemplative orders, those in consecrated life encounter Jesus, and remind the world by their witness to remember the Lord and his love “at every moment,” said Father Torres.
To those considering consecrated life he advised them to increase their prayers, take up “lectio divina” (spiritual reading of sacred Scripture) and get to know the community they are discerning with.
Consecrated life “doesn’t allow for halfways or negotiations,” he added. “It’s completely out of love that we receive, and then out of love that we respond.”