The distinguishing marks of religious life, according to Fr Joe Mannath:
Irrespective of who and when and how, the founders of various religious congregations and orders, were primarily keen to respond to God with all their heart.
... the centrality of the search for God, the wisdom to guide others on the same search, the avoidance of comforts and luxuries, manual work, a simple life and hospitality...[Joe Mannath, A Radical Love, A Path of Light: The Beauty and Burden of Religious Life (New Delhi: CRI House, 2014) 80.]
Irrespective of who and when and how, the founders of various religious congregations and orders, were primarily keen to respond to God with all their heart.
A simple life based on an intense God-search and genuine mutual love, coupled with deep and effective compassion for others - that is how new religious orders start, not with books, buildings and structures (p 81).
i find the mention of hospitality interesting..it's a trait i don't often associate with the religious (nuns and priests). To their credit, the Salesians in general, have always been more hospitable and friendly than their other counterparts. Perhaps something to do with Don Bosco being such a cheerful and welcoming person.
ReplyDeletea good eyeopener.
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