by Sue Torgersen, CSJ

World Day for the Consecrated Life was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997 and is now celebrated annually on or near February 2nd, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This event invites Catholics throughout the world to thank God for the gift that the Consecrated Life is in our church and world, to offer support to those living this life, and to promote this way of life to those who may be called to contribute in this way.

In the Diocese of New Ulm many of us are familiar with the life of sisters as examples of persons living the consecrated life. We know many of them as Benedictines, Franciscans, School Sisters of Notre Dame, etc. In addition to those living the consecrated life in religious life, our diocese is also blessed with the presence and ministry of 11 Schoenstatt sisters. Rather than being members of a religious congregation, they belong to what is known as a secular institute, another form of the consecrated life.

What is a secular institute?

A secular institute is an association for single lay people who profess the evangelical counsels (the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) and follow a specific constitution for their institute. Members remain in a secular environment and strive for personal holiness and the sanctification of people by communicating "as leaven" the Gospel message and practice social justice according to a particular spirituality.

When did secular institutes get started?

The church has from its earliest days been blessed with men and women who have wanted to consecrate the whole of their lives to God while continuing to live their professional and secular responsibilities. In 1947, under Pope Pius XII, the church officially recognized and endorsed the vocation of secular institute membership as a form of the consecrated life within the church. Today there are nearly 200 secular institutes worldwide with a membership of nearly 60,000. Located in the United States are 27 institutes with a combined membership of about 500 members.

As a church we are so blessed with such a wonderful variety of ways to dedicate our lives to God and to the service of others. Many among us choose to live their love for God as husbands, wives and parents. Others find that in being single they can live their lives with a special generosity. Some choose to give their lives to God in priesthood and the consecrated life. The young among us face with courage the challenges of being young Catholic Christians. Led by God’s Holy Spirit in our various vocations we are called to build up the Body of Christ. Let us support and encourage one another in our special callings that we may be steadfast in our love of God and his people.

Sr. Sue Torgersen, CSJ, is Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of New Ulm.