The Unknown Vocation: Secular Institutes

[Anastasia]

On 6/8/2020 at 1:59 PM, Faustina86 said:

Everything I’ve read on Saint Catherine of Siena mentions she “vowed” Virginity (like a private vow)  but was not technically a “Consecrated” Virgin as we know them to be today but that is splitting hairs.

I spoke about the essence or the reality of whom St Catherine was. I think the Rite of Consecration as we know it now was not used at that time.

On 6/8/2020 at 1:59 PM, Faustina86 said:

So what makes Caritas Christi different than a consecrated virgin, is that a consecrated virgin, the consecration is given to them they don’t technically make a profession of the evangelical counsels.

Thank you for your explanation, and also for the clarification of what I was most of all interested in i.e. mutual support of the people in your Institution.

Edited June 10, 2020 by Anastasia

[Sponsa-Christi]

2 hours ago, Anastasia said:

I spoke about the essence or the reality of whom St Catherine was. I think the Rite of Consecration as we know it now was not used at that time.

The Rite of Consecration actually was still in use, but only for cloistered nuns in certain religious families that kept the use of the Rite as a special tradition. The reason why the Church was able to revise the Rite so relatively easily after Vatican II was because some Orders had basically preserved it for posterity in this way. 

I would say that some other big differences between consecrated virgins and secular institutes are that: 1. consecrated virginity is a totally public commitment, and CVs are called to be public witnesses and therefore to be open about their status at all times; 2. consecrated virginity is rooted in the local diocesan Church as opposed to a community, with consecrated virgins basically answering to the local bishop as opposed to a community moderator; 3. consecrated virgins are supposed to engage in some sort of specifically Church-related service (whether through their job or through volunteer work); 4. the spirituality of consecrated virgins is based on the Rite of Consecration, rather than on the spirituality or charism of a particular founder.  

Consecrated virgins do actually make a commitment to observe the evangelical counsels when they promise to "follow Christ in the spirit of the Gospel" during the Rite of Consecration. (Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago also talks about CVs being called to live the evangelical counsels in n. 27) But Faustina86 is correct that CVs don't technically make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience per se. 

[Faustina86]

On 6/9/2020 at 10:37 PM, Sponsa-Christi said:

I would say that some other big differences between consecrated virgins and secular institutes are that: 1. consecrated virginity is a totally public commitment, and CVs are called to be public witnesses and therefore to be open about their status at all times; 2. consecrated virginity is rooted in the local diocesan Church as opposed to a community, with consecrated virgins basically answering to the local bishop as opposed to a community moderator; 3. consecrated virgins are supposed to engage in some sort of specifically Church-related service (whether through their job or through volunteer work); 4. the spirituality of consecrated virgins is based on the Rite of Consecration, rather than on the spirituality or charism of a particular founder. 

Thank you Sponsa Christi- You definitely could explain it better than I could I know the differences personally but I was not equipped to put it into words  

[Faustina86]

10 minutes ago, Faustina86 said:

3. consecrated virgins are supposed to engage in some sort of specifically Church-related service (whether through their job or through volunteer work);

Though members of secular institutes have the option of being open or not open about their status (specific Consecration). We are called to serve the church in someway. To bring Christ to the heart of the secular world. The specific charism to CC- is to make God known and loved in the world where he placed us. In the world, for the world, but not of the world. Thank you for sharing!

[Sponsa-Christi]

1 hour ago, Faustina86 said:

Though members of secular institutes have the option of being open or not open about their status (specific Consecration). We are called to serve the church in someway. To bring Christ to the heart of the secular world. The specific charism to CC- is to make God known and loved in the world where he placed us. In the world, for the world, but not of the world. Thank you for sharing!

What I meant was, consecrated virgins are called to do some sort of service which outwardly very clearly and obviously points to the Church as a visible institution in some way, i.e. something specifically "Churchy." It's not so much the vocation of CVs to bring Christ into the heart of the secular world in a more subtle or hidden way--even though this sometimes happens, it's not the distinctive charism of consecrated virginity the way it is for secular institute members.

[Faustina86]

Caritas Christi:The Vow of Chastity 

If you are to become who you ought to be in the Church laywomen ardently in love with Christ and missionaries of his love among the people, the vow of chastity is necessary—for it Consecrates the resources of your heart and the energies of your being to him alone. 

You must understand clearly that although often presented negatively as a renunciation of marriage, this vow has a supremely positive meaning. It must be an a effective Consecration, a real application of everything which can no longer be fulfilled for you on the human plane, so that Christ and his kingdom become for you “husband” and “family”. Of its very nature this vow must lead you to a higher love—otherwise it would be disfigurement. St. Paul declares “a husband (is) the head of his wife” (1 Cor 11:3); does this mean that, because of your celibacy, you will consider yourselves “beheaded”, incomplete? God forbid! But in that case, Christ must be your head and this means rising above and outstripping a woman’s narrowness and weakness; it means a love that is wholly given yet dependent. Thus, far from being incomplete you will become more like Christ. All this is good and holy, it is a far cry from being an “old maid” to the Christian virgin, the spouse of Christ!

•Fr. Perrin: “Notes”

Edited June 17, 2020 by Faustina86

[Faustina86]

The Encyclopedia of SECULAR INSTITUTES

With the apostolic constitution, Provida Mater Ecclesia, dated Feb. 2, 1947, Pope Pius XII formally recognized secular institutes as a specific and unique form of total consecration to God and others, lived out in the secular state. Historically, secular institutes had precedents in the ministry of St. Angela Merici (c. 1474–1549), whose followers remained in their homes while consecrating themselves to God and carrying out charitable works. In various parts of Europe, as persecution, anti-clericalism, and social and cultural secularism threatened the foundations of the faith and placed increasing obstacles in the way of priests and religious, initiatives were undertaken to bring the Gospel into the fabric of society in more discreet ways. An early clerical institute, Priests of the Sacred Heart, was founded in the eighteenth century by Père Pierre-Joseph Picot di Clorivière (l735–l820) following the suppression of the Jesuits in France. In Poland, Bl. Onorato Kosminski, OFM Cap. (l829–l916) founded numerous institutes. In Italy, Agostino Gemelli OFM (l875–l959) wrote a Pro Memoria (l939) defending the possibility of lay persons consecrated to God in the world, and with Armida Barelli, he founded the Missionaries of the Kingship of Christ.

Foundational Documents. he apostolic constitution Provida Mater Ecclesia recognized secular institutes as a true and complete "state of perfection." Before its publication, the state of perfection, or consecrated life, had been considered synonymous with religious life. The apostolic constitution also provided the particular legal norms (lex peculiaris ) needed for the institutes since there was no reference to them in the l9l7 Code of Canon Law. In the lex peculiarissecular institutes were distinguished from all other associations by the fact that their members "make profession of the evangelical counsels, living in a secular condition for the purpose of Christian perfection and full apostolate" (Art. I). Members were permitted to use a vow, oath, or consecration binding in conscience for celibacy, and vows or promises for poverty and obedience (Art. III).

On the first anniversary of Provida Mater Ecclesia, Pope Pius XII's motu proprio entitled Primo feliciter complemented the earlier document, using terminology that continues to be echoed in ecclesial texts. Secular institute members must be light, salt, and leaven in the contemporary world (Intro.). They live a full profession of Christian perfection "in the world," adapted to secular life (II-a). The whole consecrated life of the members must "become an apostolate" in the world and growing out of the world (II-b).

A third foundational document was an instruction from the Sacred Congregation for Religious, Cum sanctissimus (March 19, 1948). It provided additional guidelines to help distinguish secular institutes both from associations that did not have the characteristic of a totally consecrated life, and from religious institutes whose lifestyle and law they were not to follow (n. 7-d; n. 8). The distinction between members in the strict sense, and others associated with them, flowed from the stable assumption of the evangelical counsels (n. 7-a).

Vatican II. In Perfectae caritatis, the Decree on the Renewal of Religious Life (l965), the Second Vatican Council reaffirmed that secular institutes are not religious institutes, although they involve "a true and full profession of the evangelical counsels in the world" (n. 11). The institutes, whether of men or women, clerics or laity, are identified by their secular character, carrying on an effective apostolate everywhere in and, as it were, from the world. They are to be leaven for the strengthening and growth of the Body of Christ. The original inspiration of a transforming presence in the midst of temporal realities was greatly enriched by Vatican II's ecclesiology and its emphasis on the role of the laity in the Church and the world. The identification of the laity's secular character for permeating temporal affairs with the spirit of the Gospel (Lumen gentiumn. 31) coincided with the role assigned to secular institutes. Apostolicam actuositatem(l965) on the apostolate of the laity provided further validation of lay members' lives which, through consecration, were to become apostolate. The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et spes (l965), articulated the Church's radical redefinition of its own locus within the modern world, reflecting on such issues as culture, economics, social life, politics, human solidarity, and peace. Pope Paul VI, saw the charism of the secular institutes as a realization of that reality and referred to them as "experimental laboratories" in which the Church could test her relations with the world. He frequently described the life of the members with synthetic terms, such as "secular consecration" and "consecrated secularity."

Canonical Norms. The 1983 Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church replaced the lex peculiaris of Provida Mater Ecclesia. As institutes of consecrated life, secular institutes are regulated by the norms common to all such institutes (cc. 573–606) and by those specific to secular institutes (cc. 710–730). Their particular identity in continuity with the earlier documents is preserved in the canons. The members' role of contributing to the sanctification of the world from within (c. 710) is carried out without a change in their canonical status as lay persons or clerics (c. 711). While their whole consecrated life is to become apostolate (c. 722 §2), their particular apostolic activities will follow from their particular state. Laity share the Church's evangelizing task in and of the world, through the witness of their lives and their efforts to inform the temporal with the power of the Gospel (c. 713 §2). Clerics work for the sanctification of the world through witness within the presbyterate and through sacred ministry (c. 713 §3). The gospel image of leaven characterizes the apostolic approach of secular institutes and their members (c. 713 §1). Typically, lay members work individually in any form of secular profession or labor, although some institutes have certain corporate works.

The assumption of the evangelical counsels in secular institutes continues to allow for the use of diverse sacred bonds. These bonds and the obligations flowing from them must be defined in the constitutions of each institute. A life of permanent celibate chastity is integral to membership in secular institutes. The life of evangelical poverty and the obligations of obedience will be defined in constitutions, preserving the distinctive secularity of the institute (c. 721). Normally members contribute from their earnings to the financial needs of the institute, but do not place their goods in common or depend on the institute for their material needs or future retirement. Because clerical members are usually incardinated in a diocese, they depend on the diocesan bishop except in matters specific to their consecrated life in the institute (c. 715 §1). In keeping with the secular character of the institutes, members live in the "ordinary conditions of the world," alone, with family, or with others of their institute (c. 714). They are to maintain an intense spiritual life of personal, liturgical, and sacramental prayer; retreats; and spiritual direction (c. 719).

Provida Mater Ecclesia provided for secular institutes to follow, with adaptation, the model of religious and of societies for structuring offices and organs of governance (IX). There are moderators with councils at various levels, and delegate assemblies through which members participate in the animation and governance of the institute. Moderators are to foster the unity of spirit of the institute and encourage active participation of members (c. 717 §3). Initial formation in secular institutes is longer than that of religious, respecting the particular nature of the vocation. First probation prior to undertaking sacred bonds must be a minimum of two years (c. 722 §3) while first incorporation must be for a minimum of five years (c. 723 §2).

Institutes are clerical or lay (c. 588); pontifical or diocesan (cc. 589, 594, 595). Each has its own spiritual patrimony and enjoys a rightful autonomy of life and governance in order to live and preserve it (c. 586 §1). The initial erection of an institute and approval of its constitutions, are in the hands of the diocesan bishop in consultation with the Apostolic See (c. 579). Competency rests with the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, or with the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Parallel norms for Eastern rite secular institutes are found in the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches (cc. 563–569).

 

https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/secular-institutes

[Faustina86]

I am merely a lamp burning in the shadows for Christ and for His Church.
-Juliette Molland: Founder of Caritas Christi Consecrated Secular Institute of Pontifical Right.

My community and I are doing an “at home retreat”. We have a CC sister making her first dedication/vows (having a private mass), and several renewing dedications on the feast of St. Kateri July 14th. Some CC sisters were supposed to be making final dedications, have graciously agreed to extend their vow renewal for another year because of the pandemic, we are living in interesting times. Please pray for me and my community. Thank you! 

[Jojo]

On 3/23/2020 at 10:56 PM, OneHeart said:

I'm discerning secular institutes. I'm a secular Carmelite (fully professed OCDS) and when I entered, I thought that because there is an optional vow, that it was a consecration.  I was totally excited because for circumstantial reasons I can't enter a community. I thought yay! God remberede and I have a vocation. I was so excited.

 But it's not consecration. But by the time I figured that out I was already way into formation so I decided to stay. I love Carmel,and half a loaf is better than none. But I want to give my whole self and be received.  I explained to my President about my disappointment at not being able to be consecrated, but wasn't directed to Secular Institutes.  I discerned religious life for a bit and am very drawn to it. I want to be consecrated to God alone.  But community life isn't essential, and because of circumstances I have to stay "in the world". The circumstances are, I believe, the Lord's call on my life. So although I visited a community and really liked it, and they liked me, I've decided I have to stay in the world. Then I learned about Institutes just recently. And my SP had me draw up a rule of life for now, but it's private and I sense there is more.

Then I heard about the Leaven last month!. I'm thinking about contacting them.

 I've always been drawn to St.Catherine of Sienna and I thought OCSD was like what she did.  And St. Margaret of Cortona.  Consecration --- like being a nun but on your own. I would like to wear a habit too but if God choses to hide me, then ok.

I contacted the President or someone at the USA secular institutes but she hasn't responded to me.

I'm interested in consecration with a carmelite contemplative charism.  Are there others besides the Leaven?  I'm in USA.  I can afford travel.  Prayer and penance. Silence and intercession. Union with God. 

Can I get more information?

Jesus loves us!

 

Barbara.. did you find your path ? The Leaven is still here 😊 ( formator) 

[Jojo]

On 3/24/2020 at 12:41 AM, Guest said:

I am in Australia, so not much help to you.  And as I said before, our diocesan website has nothing at all about vocations as it did in the old website.

That I am aware of only, some secular institutes do have a consecration (public vows) rather than a self dedication in a private vow.  

The following quotation comes from Fr. Hardon who is now deceased.  He was a highly respected Cathollic author.  His biography is HERE

 

Re the above fourth category, I do not know if it is still being considered or not.  At this point in time and for some years now, there is lot of focus on the scandals in The Church and what is the path ahead.

I am under private vows and hold that it is not the consecration in religious life so much that makes for holiness, it is living out the three vows and God's Will within religious life.  I have made private vows of the evangelical counsel - must be forty years ago now.  My priest religious SD asked the Archbishop if I could have a Home Mass for the renewing of the vows.  The Archbishop agreed.  The Archbishop did comment "This is a good way to do it", whatever that might mean. That Mass was overwhelmingly humbling and emotional for me and I felt then and it continues up to today that I have given my whole self and life to Jesus.

ONe does not make a public consecration nor private vows and that is it, it is the title of the first chapter in a journey that will be lifelong.  Discernment and living out one's vows will be lifelong.

But my awareness at that Home Mass might be a private reaction and conviction - not necessarily for all.  I would not know.  Private vows for me has a particular aspect not available in religious life to my knowledge.  There is no recognition, respect nor big celebrations at milestones in one's journey, no habit, no religious rituals.  The private commitment for life is for Jesus alone and in a human sense it has no human type reward.  That is not to state that those in religious life do not live the life for Him and only Him.  I think many probably do.

I hope you will find what you are seeking and you will if you remain open to what God Wills, not on what you want.  The two are not necessarily compatible and I found that out in my many years of living the lifestyle I do - and my long journey of discernment which continues each day in discerning God's Will and in the renewing daily of commitment, come what may.  I also had to write my own rule of life.

God's Blessings on your journey.

Just to update ..the aforementioned Leaven secular institute is now open to accepting women from other countries... 

On 3/12/2020 at 1:19 AM, Faustina86 said:

That’s a shame Barbara... Where do you live? I’m in the USA, the link on the bottom of my post is the “United States Conference of Secular Institutes” We have roughly 30 institutes in the USA. I am a member of the secular Institute called Caritas Christi, my community has members in over 30 countries and six official languages and it’s a secular institute of pontifical right. Have you heard of it? https://ccinfo.org
 

if you’re still discerning consecrated life and secular institutes I wouldn’t give up. I have heard of “The Leaven” But I don’t think they’ve reached the USA yet...

 

They have now ...they are open to accepting women from the USA ..🙏🏻.