The Bishop Writes

(From the Jan. 14, 1999 edition of the Inland Register)

The impact of women and men in consecrated life in the Diocese of Spokane has been considerable. The same can be said of the Catholic Church nationally. Recently, the Church began to celebrate “The World Day of Consecrated Life” to remind us of this great gift to the Church and to help us appreciate the dedication and commitment men and women Religious have exhibited in service to the Church and to all of God’s people. The celebration takes place on a Sunday as close as possible to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Feb. 2. This year the World Day of Consecrated Life is celebrated on Jan. 31.

Although this celebration is global for the entire Church, we can reflect upon what the presence of those in consecrated life has meant to us here in the Northwest and in our own diocese. In the middle of the last century, Religious communities of men and women were some of the first Sisters, Brothers, and priests in our area. The first two priests ordained in the State of Washington (in Walla Walla) were members of a Religious community. Some of the first schools, orphanages, hospitals, and churches were established and built by Religious communities of men and women. One has to admire their courage, generosity, and vision for the future. Names like Mother Joseph of the Sisters of Providence and Jesuit Fathers Cataldo and Desmet became legendary in our Church in the Northwest.

In the Diocese of Spokane we see the significant impact of our Catholic educational and health care institutions. Although laity are now primarily involved in both of these missions, the dreams and hard work of women and men Religious bringing about the reality of what we observe today are truly remarkable. The ministry to native peoples continues with great sensitivity to culture and present needs. Contemplative communities enrich our spiritual life.

According to recent national statistics, there are in the U.S. 62,365 members of women’s communities of Religious and 12,987 in men’s communities. Of these, 19,888 women and 2,319 men are retired. Clearly, these numbers are significantly down from several decades ago (except, of course, the number of retired) just as diocesan clergy have decreased in numbers although not quite as significantly. Times have changed, certainly. In recent years many vocations in life have gone through much soul- searching, including marriage. We as a Church must listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us and how the Spirit guides us. These are not doom and gloom times but a period of evolution as we continue to discern what God wishes us to do as we journey in faith into the next millennium.

I offer three suggestions as we celebrate the World Day for Consecrated Life.

First, we need to be grateful. I was especially reminded of that gratitude this past week as I celebrated Mass in the Holy Names convent on Fort Wright Drive on the Feast of the Holy Family and at Mt. St. Joseph with the Providence Sisters on New Year’s Day). In both instances I visited the infirmaries afterward. Many of these Sisters I have known for a long time. As they approach the winter of their lives, they exude a peace and joy I find humbling. Those visits have always been a special spiritual experience for me.

Second, we should continue to pray for vocations to the Religious communities of men and women. More accurately, we should say that we pray for a generous response to God’s call. God always gives sufficient Religious vocations for the Church. Our task is to listen and respond generously.

Third, we must support those who dedicate their lives to service in the Church as women and men Religious. We support them in prayer with a positive attitude of appreciating their own challenging journey of faith. We are all Church together and the Lord certainly expects that we support one another in the common mission of building unity in the Church and proclaiming and living the Gospel.

May God bless all of you and give you peace and joy.

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