OCTOBER 2018: The Mission of Religious
Religious, with their prayer, poverty, and patience, are essential to the Church’s mission.[1]
More than ever, with the challenges of today’s world, we need their complete dedication to proclaiming the Gospel.
Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm[2] and let us pray that consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.[3]
[1] Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to participants in the conference organized by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Friday, May 4, 2018. “These are the pillars that endure, that are permanent in consecrated life. Prayer, poverty and patience.” http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2018/may/documents/papa-francesco_20180504_congregazione-vitaconsacrata.html
[2] Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. Points 78-80: “Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm!” – http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html
[3] The Holy Father’s monthly intention for October, 2018, entrusted to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.