Recently in religious vocations Category

This post was originally posted on RoL a few years back. I reposted it on the blog since it is still relevant and this week's book discussion of Style, Sex and Substance is on Chapter 4: Sex, Passion and Purity.

Chastity is a way of life. It is respecting the human person as a whole, not as an object. It is valuing your own gift of sexuality and revering the sacredness and life-giving power of sex within marriage. Chastity is not a negative aspect of "I can't do this" or "I can't do that," rather it is empowering. Living chastely frees us from the shackles of immorality and allows us to live a life of freedom as God intended.

Chastity is not for guys who are weak and faint-hearted.

Today's society will often portray a male virgin in their 20's or 30's as a sort of social misfit - undesirable, unmanly, timid or a religious fanatic. I have very little regard for many of society's "values" so it's not surprising to find out...that's such a lie!

A guy who constantly gratifies his own sexual desires through immorality is a billboard for weakness. It is true that most guys have a strong sex drive BUT when a guy puts his weakness in God's hands and works with God to control his passion and love purely, that is a man of strength and honor! (For you single guys looking for a holy wife...that is extremely attractive to a girl!)

Chastity helps a guy develop his true potential as a man of God, realizing that there is more to him than his sex drive. It helps him view women not through the eyes of lust but through the eyes of God. He sees their beauty and treats then with respect and the tenderness of a pure heart. Chastity inspires him to love God and rely on Him continuously for strength.

Chastity is not for girls who enjoy having a low self-esteem and dating losers.

Most often it seems that men use the words "I love you" to get sex, while women have sex to hear "I love you". For the most part, girls ache to be held and told that they are loved. I will admit I was one of those countless females who didn't feel loved and worth anything unless I had a guy in my life - whether I was dating him, chasing him, or just flirting with him. Why was my self-worth so low that I could not bear not having a guy in my life? Because I equated physical attraction and emotion with love. Because I didn't have God in my life to see that I am precious and loved by Him!

Chastity helps a woman realize that her self-worth doesn't come from this world but from within - knowing that you are the precious daughter of God, created to love and be loved. With His strength and grace you come to realize that you do not need to degrade yourself for emotional or physical gratification. You realize that God has chosen a special spouse just for you (whether it be Christ as a religious or to a man of God in marriage) and you have the God-given grace to live joyfully in the freedom of purity and self-respect. (Ladies, if it worked for me, it can certainly work for you!)

Chastity is for the spiritual poppas and mommas.

In a special and unique way, the consecrated, religious and clergy are able to give a powerful witness to how a person can love purely for the sake of Christ and His Church. A priest and religious brother must have a great capacity to love in order to give their life to God in this way. They have taken the holy Catholic Church as their beloved bride and have dedicated their lives to loving and serving her. They have taken as their children the people they help day in and day out.

Likewise, nuns, sisters, and consecrated women have been chosen by God to be Christ's beloved spouse. With the natural instinct to mother and nurture, they have embraced the countless souls that live in misery, both physically and spiritually. Their prayers and works caress these souls and love them so that they too may realize that God is their Father and He desires them to be happy with Him in heaven. As spiritual brides and mothers, they are living example of pure life-giving love.

Chastity is for those who say "I Do".

Brian and I live as a chaste married couple...does that mean we don't have sex?? No, it means that we treasure sex as a powerful and life giving gift! All spouses are called to continue to live their life of chastity even after they are married. Remember that chastity is a way of life, treating sex and love with dignity and respecting its purpose. Couples are not to use artificial contraception for that would desecrate the act of marital intercourse, drive a wedge between the couple and take God out of the picture. Married couples must keep God in the bedroom. After all, He is the life-giving creator of sex. When couples do this they are able to enjoy an incredibly beautiful and powerful gift that bonds them together at all levels - physically, mentally, and spiritually. That love is so strong and so blessed that God-willing, nine months later you'll be choosing a name.

Living chastely as a married couple also means outside of the bedroom. It is respecting your spouse for who they are and loving their whole person, not just their bodies. It is guarding your eyes, ears, thoughts, and actions so that nothing would ever poison the sacred love you share with your spouse. It is living married life as God meant it to be lived - filled with love, dignity, and tremendous joy.

Chastity is for the pure of heart.

I am overjoyed when I see teenagers, young adults, and married couples living a life of chastity. It is such an encouragement to me and gives great glory to God, especially in today's world. They are living chastely for God and loving it... but not because it is easy or requires no work. Rather, they are like an athlete in training. It requires hard work, dedication and sacrifice but when the goal is achieved and you have won the race, all the work was worth it. It is the same for living the Christian life.

So to you who are living a chaste life, I say, thank you! You are lights in a world of darkness that desperately needs you! Your chaste life is one of great beauty! You are the hope of other single people who are looking for a holy spouse! You are our inspiration when we see you performing your priestly duties! Your love shines beyond the convent walls! The love you have for your spouse and children are a testimony to men and women throughout society! You all encourage me and countless others. May God bless you and strengthen you, forever!

continued reading:

Chastity Part II: What If the Spirit Is Willing But The Flesh Is Weak?

There Be Dragons is an epic action-adventure romance set during the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. The story traces the lives of two young men, Josemaria Escriva (Charlie Cox) and Manolo Torres (Wes Bentley), childhood friends who are separated by the political upheaval of pre-war Spain to find themselves on opposite sides as war erupts. Choosing peace, Josemaria becomes a priest and struggles to spread reconciliation by founding the movement Opus Dei (work of God).

Manolo chooses war and becomes a spy for the fascists. He becomes obsessed with a beautiful Hungarian revolutionary, Ildiko, who has joined the militia in pursuit of passion and purpose. But when Ildiko rejects him out of love for the courageous militia leader Oriol, Manolo's jealousy leads him down a path of betrayal.

As personal and national battles rage, the characters' lives collide and their deepest struggles are illuminated through the fateful choices they make. Each will struggle to find the power of forgiveness over the forces tearing their lives and friendship apart.

The movie opens on Friday, May 6, 2011. To find a theater near you visit http://www.dragonsresources.com/resources/theaters.html.

I don't usually watch Oprah but for the Sisters, I am happy to make an exception.

From The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Dear Friends,

The Dominican Sisters of Mary will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, November 23rd.

This is a new show that includes interviews with Mother Assumpta, Sr. Joseph Andrew, Sr. Mary Samuel, Sr. John Dominic and other Sisters; as well as on-site filming of the First and Final Profession Masses and this year's Entrance Day, during which we welcomed 22 Aspirants.

The show will feature the experience of a Sister entering religious life and the meaning of religious profession as being 'married' to Christ.

You may recall that Oprah first reached out to our community on February 9th of this year due to an interest in the hidden aspects of religious life. Click here to watch an excerpt from that program.

The response from the first show was so positive that the Sisters were asked if we would be open to another opportunity to share our life. We have accepted this invitation in the hopes of reaching an audience we might not otherwise reach with the witness of our life and the Gospel. Please join us in praying that the show will be for the good of souls and the honor of God.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let us give thanks to God for His bountiful goodness. May God bless you and your families during this holiday season.

In Jesus and Mary,

The Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

There is a great post on the Laodicea blog about the Little Sisters Disciples of the Lamb. What a beautiful witness of God's love for all his precious creatures.

The Little Sisters Disciples of the Lamb are a contemplative community that enables girls with Down's syndrome to respond to a religious vocation. (continue reading...)

Did you catch the Dominican Sisters of Mary on Oprah? I was hesitant to watch it since I wasn't sure what kind of spin it would have. However, I am happy to say that it was a great piece. The Sisters answered their questions and explained their way of life with such joy and honesty that you could not help being impressed with them, whatever your religious background. I hope this opens up the doors for many women questioning the meaning and purpose of their life.

And here is a video with general information about the Sisters.

I don't watch Oprah but I may tune in to see the Sisters. Thanks to CatholicVoteAction.org for the heads up.

The Dominican Sisters Appearing on Oprah Tomorrow (2/9/10)

Thanks to a heads-up from NCR, I came across a great new site called Vocation Boom. Their overview reads:

Founded by Jerry Usher, Vocation Boom is a team of passionate advocates dedicated to supporting the priesthood as a life's vocation and mission. We seek to develop a global support community where youth and young men interested in the priesthood can find comprehensive resources, encouragement, mentors and friends to aid in the discernment process.

Be sure to check it out and pass along the info to others.

I had not heard of this guy before but he has a beautiful story of conversion. Check out the videos below or read the article/video text here.

Paddy's Conversion Story

Paddy Singing "Abba Father" in Medjugorje

I watched the documentary The Nun on EWTN this weekend and it was so interesting and beautiful. I also enjoyed learning about Marta's family, as well as her vocation. Check it out if you can.

THE NUN
Get an inside look at a religious vocation taking shape in the rich environment of European Catholic family life in this unique documentary look at a Swedish Catholic family and their daughter Marta who has decided to become a Carmelite Nun. (1 hr)
Sat 8/23/08 8:00 PM ET & 5 PM Pt
Sun 8/24/08 2:00 AM ET & Sat 11 PM PT
Thu 8/28/08 1:00 PM ET & 10 AM PT

UPDATE: The Nun is now available on DVD at Amazon and Catholic retailers.

My brother Rob and his girl friend (the amazing artist) Maria Rangel have a dear friend named Liza Boquiren who has been accepted into community of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Alhambra. (An awesome order of nuns in So Cal.) However, Liza has school loans she needs to pay off. Liza's friends brainstormed and came up with a way they could help her with her vocation - they are holding a raffle for this piece entitled "The Love That Saves." Here are the details:

E-Raffle Information:
- E-Raffles are $5.00 a piece, no limit per person.
- For every 5 raffles you buy, get a 6th one FREE!
- E-Raffle drawing will occur on October 28th, 2008.
- All E-raffle purchasers will be notified of the winner via email (phone if no email).

Prize Information:- Image of John Paul II.
- Size 2 ft. x 2 ft. giclée print on canvas of an oil painting, value $900.00.
- Artist, Maria Rangel, www.rangelstudios.com

For more information or to purchase your raffle "ticket," go to http://lizaboq.blogspot.com/2008/07/online-raffle-love-that-saves.html. (Purchase a raffle and spread the word to others! Thanks! -Bobbi) The raffle is closed.

About Liza (by Rebecca Flynn)

Liza is a spirited, joyful, intelligent, beautiful woman of God. She has a great love for Christ, and seeks the will of God in everything. She has a great compassion and love for others as well. Liza strives to live her life for God, in all ways.

Liza has taught Confirmation Classes, for girls, at her parish, St Peter Chanel. She has helped spread Pope John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." A couple of years ago, with the backing of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, Liza got the approval of three California Dioceses to start a group called ENDOW (Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women) in Southern California, where she lives. ENDOW is an organization that brings women together to study the documents of the Church, especially the writings of JPII on women (The Letter to Women, etc.) for fellowship, intellectual growth and renewed knowledge on what it means to be truly feminine.

August 16th, Liza will be entering the community of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. Although, prior to entering, Liza needs support in reducing her debt from school loans. The Carmelites, like most religious communities, cannot afford to assume debt, so please consider buying a raffle ticket. Liza is very humble. She has never asked for any financial assistance. The idea for this raffle came about through the brainstorming of Liza's friends. This effort, on Liza's behalf, was brought to fruition by the gifting and generosity of Maria Rangel, the artist who so beautifully painted "The Love that Saves."

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and prayerfully considering how you can best support Liza's vocation.

God's blessings, Rebecca Flynn

UPDATE:

Special thanks to all who participated and donated, especially MG.

(Aug 2011)

Rob and Maria are now married. Their first child Maximilian was born in May 2011.

Liza is now Sr. Meredith and Max's godmother. Here are photos of when they first met.

Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Alhambra

Sr. Meredith and Max meeting for the first time.

Sr. Meredith, Max and Maria

Here's one more cool story from CNA that I thought you might enjoy.

Soccer pro retires to pursue Catholic priesthood

"A professional soccer player in Massachusetts has retired from the sport to enter a Catholic seminary, saying he is 'moving on to something much greater.' Chase Hilgenbrinck, a defender for the New England Revolution, explained the motives for his retirement:

'After years of discernment, I feel strongly that the Lord has called me to become a priest in the Catholic Church," he said in a press statement released by his team. "Playing professional soccer has been my passion for a long time and I feel blessed to have successfully lived out this dream. My passion now is to do the will of God, which is wanting only what He wants for me. Though I will miss the game of soccer, I know that I am moving on to something much greater.' " (Continue Reading)