BBC NEWS…
An article from L’Osservatore Romano reports a further dramatic decline in monastic and religious vocations worldwide. In fact, during the pontificate of JPII, the number of nuns fell by a quarter. The report says the decline is continuing, the numbers fell by 10% between 2005 and 2006, and new vocations are not replacing the nuns who die or abandon consecrated life. BBCNEWS has the story.
Just some thoughts…
So where are all the vocations John Paul II inspired? I thought there was supposed to be a huge increase in vocations. I know of a couple of congregations in the U.S. that are flourishing, evidently that doesn’t count or make a difference in the statistics.
Discounting our narcissist culture, along with the luxuries and pleasures modern life affords, as well as the potential for personal wealth and fame, what else could be the reason few men and women show an interest in religious life? Especially those who are active in their church, who practice their faith, and want to participate in the new evangelization? Well, they can do all of that without sacrificing anything or bothering to enter a religious community. Today we treasure our independence, which allows us to have our cake and eat it too.
Living a religious life in the world.
The young person with a degree in music, liturgy, theology, religious education, and so on, is ready and qualified for a pretty good job working in a parish, teaching at a Catholic school or college. The active participation of the laity in evangelization may have provided enough of a sense of vocation to preclude any need or attraction to the religious life for young people. Especially as it is represented by older religious from established congregations. Young people know they too can lead a prayerful life of service to the Church, keep their own apartment or home, with a car, and anything else they want. Or, they can get married and continue to work for the Church, and maybe even get on the religious lecture circuit, write numerous books, become a tele-evangelist, or conduct tours to Medjugorje.
[The other reason for the decline is because of all the gays! I'M KIDDING! That was just for you Arthur! LOL! Okay, I'm done now.]
(Photo credit: I think these are CFR nuns. I stole the photo from Crescat.)
