The Holy See Congregation for Religious has reaffirmed the vocation of the lay religious brother, emphasising that non-ordained men – and women – exercise a daily priesthood in their work by virtue of their baptism.
The document, entitled Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church, focuses on the role non-ordained men play in various religious orders around the world, Vatican Insider reports. Commonly referred to as brothers, such men do not receive priestly ordination but are normally consecrated or anointed into a life of service with their order.
It notes that the first title Jesus assumed for himself and for his disciples was that of brother.
“Jesus Christ first of all became brother, shared our flesh and blood and was in solidarity with the sufferings of his brothers and sisters,” the document says. “This is the title Jesus gives his disciples after his Resurrection.”
“The Religious Brother, living his lay state through a special consecration, is witness to the value of the common priesthood received in Baptism and Confirmation,” the 54-page document says. “His religious consecration is in itself an exercise in the fullness of the priesthood of all the baptized.”
“Rooting his life deeply in God, the Brother consecrates all creation, recognizing the presence of God and the Spirit’s action in creation, in cultures and in daily events,” the document continues.
“The Brother develops his baptismal priesthood through brotherhood,” the document continues. “Through it he becomes a bridge between God and his brothers, anointed and sent by the Spirit to bring the Good News of the love and mercy of God to all, especially to the least of his brothers, the weakest members of humanity.”
The document describes brothers’ communities “a prime manifestation of the baptismal priesthood.”
According to CruxNow, there are about 55,000 brothers in the Catholic Church worldwide today.
Sources
- Global Pulse, an article by Stefan Gigacz, who is working on his Ph.D. at MCD University of Divinity, Melbourne.
- Image: Catholic Diocese of Umzimkulu