A reflection by Sr Lynne fcJ from FCJ Centre St Hugh’s, in Liverpool, first appeared in the FCJ Sisters Blog
As a vocations director for a religious congregation in Europe I often get asked whether there are still people interested in the vocation to religious life. The simple answer is YES, but it is also true that both the question and answer are more nuanced in reality.
Certainly I believe that God is still calling women and men to live their vocation in religious life. And that the charism of many (if not all) religious congregations, given to their founders, remains relevant as a gift of God to the Church and to the world. I also believe that there are many young adults who are willing to take the risk of answering the call of God through the dedication of their lives in this way.
But… there are many factors that make it difficult for young people in the European context to risk religious life. Not because they don’t hold these values, but because much of Society holds alternative values as having greater importance.
- Religious life is a commitment to a truth. And much about life makes truth a very challenging concept.
- It is a lifelong commitment… in a world of constant change and instability.
- Religious life requires a choice that is counter-cultural, in which image, honour, possessions, and independence are not the primary motivators.
God is still calling, and young people are open to responding generously, but staying with it, taking the risk, living by the values when life becomes less glamorous and exciting… these are challenges that require great courage in the context of Europe in 2025.
