Previous reflections | The 16 Documents of Vatican II | Resolution |
LUMEN GENTIUM , 1964 |
Over the centuries, many different types of evangelical
community life have evolved,
like branches on a tree planted by the Lord
"Religious life" sometimes sees new branches still sprouting,
- like Mother Teresa's sisters -
but in recent years, many branches have withered.
Maybe the whole concept of "Religious life" needs re-thinking.
It has produced many saintly people.
But for many other members of various groups,
their experience has not been a life-giving one.
"Religious life" has produced an unhealthy number of damaged
personalities
ranging from
nervous wrecks to bitter lemons to control freaks
- not to mention those who have left because the bar was unreasonably high and
non life-giving
Jesus, please help all member of
"religious" groups to grow old gracefully